The Aidan ProjectSun, 29 Apr 2018 18:10:48 +0000Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:14:35 +0000Libsyn WebEngine 2.0http://www.aidancoughlan.org
enhttp://www.aidancoughlan.orgtheaidanprojectblog@gmail.com (theaidanprojectblog@gmail.com)http://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/8/2/c/4/82c458195526f5b4/Podcast_ident.pngThe Aidan ProjectAidan Coughlandebate,history,newscleantheaidanprojectblog@gmail.comepisodic#83 - Leaving the Mormon ChurchLeaving the Mormon ChurchSun, 29 Apr 2018 18:10:48 +0000In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is speaking to Eric Pratt, a former radical member of the Mormon Church. Born and raised in Utah, Eric was a follower of Mormonism for over 20 years, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary. In this intriguing audio, Eric tells the story of his indoctrination into, and his escape out of, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eric also talks about the infamous founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, what it was like to be a missionary, the prevalence of misogyny within religion, living a moral life as an atheist, and much more. A prequel of sorts to this episode is also available, see episode 82 – Project Extra: The Legacy of Christopher Hitchens.]]>In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is speaking to Eric Pratt, a former radical member of the Mormon Church. Born and raised in Utah, Eric was a follower of Mormonism for over 20 years, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary. In this intriguing audio, Eric tells the story of his indoctrination into, and his escape out of, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eric also talks about the infamous founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, what it was like to be a missionary, the prevalence of misogyny within religion, living a moral life as an atheist, and much more. A prequel of sorts to this episode is also available, see episode 82 – Project Extra: The Legacy of Christopher Hitchens.]]>01:15:21cleanIn this edition of the podcast, Aidan is speaking to Eric Pratt, a former radical member of the Mormon Church. Born and raised in Utah, Eric was a follower of Mormonism for over 20 years, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary.83fullAidan Coughlan#82 - Project Extra: The Legacy of Christopher HitchensProject Extra: The Legacy of Christopher HitchensMon, 16 Apr 2018 17:02:50 +0000This episode of the podcast is a bonus audio edition ahead of a full-length episode to follow. Aidan’s guest is Eric Pratt, who for over 20 years was an aggressively active member of the Mormon Church, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary. Although it is addressed only briefly in this episode, in the full episode, Eric will explain his journey into, and out of, the Mormon faith. In this bonus audio, Aidan and Eric talk about the life and influence of Christopher Hitchens, whose reasoned arguments assisted Eric in leaving religion altogether. Aidan and Eric also discuss atheism and religion, friendship, and Eric’s possible foray into podcast hosting. Eric, as will be discussed in the full episode, is not on social media, but is working on a book about his life which will hopefully be available in the near future.

Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>This episode of the podcast is a bonus audio edition ahead of a full-length episode to follow. Aidan’s guest is Eric Pratt, who for over 20 years was an aggressively active member of the Mormon Church, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary. Although it is addressed only briefly in this episode, in the full episode, Eric will explain his journey into, and out of, the Mormon faith. In this bonus audio, Aidan and Eric talk about the life and influence of Christopher Hitchens, whose reasoned arguments assisted Eric in leaving religion altogether. Aidan and Eric also discuss atheism and religion, friendship, and Eric’s possible foray into podcast hosting. Eric, as will be discussed in the full episode, is not on social media, but is working on a book about his life which will hopefully be available in the near future. Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>25:03cleanThis episode of the podcast is a bonus audio edition ahead of a full-length episode to follow. Aidan’s guest is Eric Pratt, who for over 20 years was an aggressively active member of the Mormon Church, including two years spent as a proselytizing Mormon missionary. 82bonusAidan Coughlan#81 - Project Extra: Revisiting The CovenantProject Extra: Revisiting The CovenantSun, 08 Apr 2018 11:58:06 +0000In an intriguing episode from February 2018, #73 - Abraham’s Secular Covenant, Bernard Lamborelle discussed his remarkable book, The Covenant: On the Origin of the Abrahamic Faith, by Means of Deification. This episode, #81 - Project Extra: Revisiting The Covenant, is an abridged version of a follow-up conversation which was streamed live on Facebook on 6 April 2018 (The Aidan Project Live #3: Revisiting the Covenant). In this bonus podcast audio, Bernard provides a brief summary of his thesis, discusses additional evidence which was not covered in the original podcast episode, and addresses the response to his argument that the Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – very likely do have a real story to tell about a covenant, but not a religious one.

]]>30:58cleanIn this bonus podcast audio, Bernard Lamborelle provides a brief summary of his thesis, discusses additional evidence which was not covered in the original podcast episode (#73), and addresses the response to his argument that the Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – very likely do have a real story to tell about a covenant, but not a religious one. 81bonusAidan Coughlan#80 - Richard Carrier on Christianity, Jesus, and Christian ApologeticsRichard Carrier on Christianity, Jesus, and Christian ApologeticsSun, 01 Apr 2018 09:47:50 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by author, historian, philosopher and exceptional debunker of Christian apologetics, Dr. Richard Carrier. What are the origins of Christianity? What is the evidence for a historical Jesus? What is it like to debate Christian apologists, and what are the common arguments made in defence of the faith? These questions, and much more, are answered in this episode. Dr. Carrier’s books and articles have received international attention. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University in ancient history, Dr. Carrier specializes in the intellectual history of Greece and Rome, particularly ancient philosophy, religion, and science, with an emphasis on the origins of Christianity, and the use and progress of science under the Roman empire. Dr. Carrier is also a published expert in the modern philosophy of naturalism as a worldview.

Dr. Carrier is the author of On the Historicity of Jesus, Proving History, Sense and Goodness without God, Science Education in the Early Roman Empire, Not the Impossible Faith, Why I Am Not a Christian, and Hitler Homer Bible Christ. For purchase options, see https://www.richardcarrier.info/BooksbyRichardCarrier.html

Dr. Carrier’s website is an incredible resource for additional information, including articles, useful links, classes, social media, and more. See https://www.richardcarrier.info/

]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by author, historian, philosopher and exceptional debunker of Christian apologetics, Dr. Richard Carrier. What are the origins of Christianity? What is the evidence for a historical Jesus? What is it like to debate Christian apologists, and what are the common arguments made in defence of the faith? These questions, and much more, are answered in this episode. Dr. Carrier’s books and articles have received international attention. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University in ancient history, Dr. Carrier specializes in the intellectual history of Greece and Rome, particularly ancient philosophy, religion, and science, with an emphasis on the origins of Christianity, and the use and progress of science under the Roman empire. Dr. Carrier is also a published expert in the modern philosophy of naturalism as a worldview. Dr. Carrier is the author of On the Historicity of Jesus, Proving History, Sense and Goodness without God, Science Education in the Early Roman Empire, Not the Impossible Faith, Why I Am Not a Christian, and Hitler Homer Bible Christ. For purchase options, see https://www.richardcarrier.info/BooksbyRichardCarrier.html

]]>01:25:34cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by author, historian, philosopher and exceptional debunker of Christian apologetics, Dr. Richard Carrier. What are the origins of Christianity? What is the evidence for a historical Jesus? What is it like to debate Christian apologists, and what are the common arguments made in defence of the faith? 80fullAidan Coughlan#79 - The People Versus Saul Goodman and Lionel HutzThe People Versus Saul Goodman and Lionel HutzTue, 27 Mar 2018 12:58:15 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Steven Keslowitz, author of books including The World According to the Simpsons, The Tao of Jack Bauer, and Why You Better Call Saul. Steven is a practicing attorney and pop culture expert, and in this episode, Steven explains the success within popular culture of disreputable fictional characters, including the lawyers Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) and Lionel Hutz (The Simpsons). Also considered within this fun episode: ‘Cultivation Theory’ (an examination of the effect that watching television over the long-term may have on the ability to differentiate fiction and reality), what is the relationship between celebrities (including the late Stephen Hawking) and The Simpsons, how does The Simpsons deal with controversial issues, such as gun control, and how accurate are the legal proceedings in Better Call Saul? Also mentioned within this episode are the famous comments made about The Simpsons by former US President George HW Bush. At the 1992 Republican Convention, Bush said: "We're going to keep trying to strengthen the American family. To make them more like the Waltons and less like the Simpsons." Steven has written about this very quote in The World According To The Simpsons, and shares his view of the relationship between The Simpsons and the ideal of the American family.

]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Steven Keslowitz, author of books including The World According to the Simpsons, The Tao of Jack Bauer, and Why You Better Call Saul. Steven is a practicing attorney and pop culture expert, and in this episode, Steven explains the success within popular culture of disreputable fictional characters, including the lawyers Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) and Lionel Hutz (The Simpsons). Also considered within this fun episode: ‘Cultivation Theory’ (an examination of the effect that watching television over the long-term may have on the ability to differentiate fiction and reality), what is the relationship between celebrities (including the late Stephen Hawking) and The Simpsons, how does The Simpsons deal with controversial issues, such as gun control, and how accurate are the legal proceedings in Better Call Saul? Also mentioned within this episode are the famous comments made about The Simpsons by former US President George HW Bush. At the 1992 Republican Convention, Bush said: "We're going to keep trying to strengthen the American family. To make them more like the Waltons and less like the Simpsons." Steven has written about this very quote in The World According To The Simpsons, and shares his view of the relationship between The Simpsons and the ideal of the American family. For more information on Steven, you can view his website at http://www.stevenkeslowitz.com/, his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/skeslowitz/, and his Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steven-Keslowitz/e/B001JS3LLC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1522146986&sr=8-1 (UK) and https://www.amazon.com/Steven-Keslowitz/e/B001JS3LLC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1522146986&sr=8-1 (US).

]]>58:17cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Steven Keslowitz, author of books including The World According to the Simpsons, The Tao of Jack Bauer, and Why You Better Call Saul. Steven is a practicing attorney and pop culture expert, and in this episode, Steven explains the success within popular culture of disreputable fictional characters, including the lawyers Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) and Lionel Hutz (The Simpsons). 79fullAidan Coughlan#78 - Notes on The Irish FamineNotes on The Irish FamineSun, 18 Mar 2018 14:16:46 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines the claims regarding culpability and blame within the historiography of The Irish Famine (circa 1845-1850). The Irish Famine devastated Ireland’s population: it is estimated to have killed a million people, with around two million more people forced to leave the country. Furthermore, this appalling event is a key example of the uneasy history between Ireland and the United Kingdom. At the time of the Famine, Ireland was a formal part of the UK, following the Act of Union in 1801. Did the British intend to extirpate the Irish, as has often been claimed, or were the British simply incompetent? The genocide charge dominates the historiography of the Famine. This debate over culpability and blame is, of course, a contentious one. This episode, after providing a brief introduction to the Famine, will summarise the competing arguments. This episode includes audio from episode 24 – The Irish Famine: Tragedy and Propaganda, which featured an interview with Professor Liam Kennedy, Emeritus Professor of History at Queen’s University Belfast. Aidan and Professor Kennedy discussed the comparisons made by Irish nationalists between the Irish Famine and the Jewish Holocaust. Professor Kennedy’s most recent book is Unhappy the Land: The Most Oppressed People Ever, the Irish.

]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines the claims regarding culpability and blame within the historiography of The Irish Famine (circa 1845-1850). The Irish Famine devastated Ireland’s population: it is estimated to have killed a million people, with around two million more people forced to leave the country. Furthermore, this appalling event is a key example of the uneasy history between Ireland and the United Kingdom. At the time of the Famine, Ireland was a formal part of the UK, following the Act of Union in 1801. Did the British intend to extirpate the Irish, as has often been claimed, or were the British simply incompetent? The genocide charge dominates the historiography of the Famine. This debate over culpability and blame is, of course, a contentious one. This episode, after providing a brief introduction to the Famine, will summarise the competing arguments. This episode includes audio from episode 24 – The Irish Famine: Tragedy and Propaganda, which featured an interview with Professor Liam Kennedy, Emeritus Professor of History at Queen’s University Belfast. Aidan and Professor Kennedy discussed the comparisons made by Irish nationalists between the Irish Famine and the Jewish Holocaust. Professor Kennedy’s most recent book is Unhappy the Land: The Most Oppressed People Ever, the Irish.

]]>17:55cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines the claims regarding culpability and blame within the historiography of The Irish Famine (1845-1850). The Irish Famine devastated Ireland’s population: it is estimated to have killed a million people, with around two million more people forced to leave the country. Furthermore, this appalling event is a key example of the uneasy history between Ireland and the United Kingdom.78fullAidan Coughlan#77 - Defending Trump’s PresidencyDefending Trump’s PresidencySun, 11 Mar 2018 13:15:17 +0000Dr. Larry Fedewa says that Donald Trump would do well to tweet less often and to rein in some of his unseemly language, but, nevertheless, Dr. Fedewa argues that Trump is doing a good job as United States President. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Dr. Larry Fedewa, a conservative political commentator, with countless media contributions to his name, including the Washington Times. How successful has Trump’s administration been in gaining legislative support? What can be said of Trump’s foreign policy? Is Trump a new Ronald Reagan or is he more akin to a much earlier President, Andrew Jackson? Could Trump face impeachment, and if so, how does the impeachment process work? What is the future of the odd relationship between Trump and the mainstream media? All of these questions, and much more, are considered during this intriguing episode.

Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>Dr. Larry Fedewa says that Donald Trump would do well to tweet less often and to rein in some of his unseemly language, but, nevertheless, Dr. Fedewa argues that Trump is doing a good job as United States President. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Dr. Larry Fedewa, a conservative political commentator, with countless media contributions to his name, including the Washington Times. How successful has Trump’s administration been in gaining legislative support? What can be said of Trump’s foreign policy? Is Trump a new Ronald Reagan or is he more akin to a much earlier President, Andrew Jackson? Could Trump face impeachment, and if so, how does the impeachment process work? What is the future of the odd relationship between Trump and the mainstream media? All of these questions, and much more, are considered during this intriguing episode. Aidan also spoke to Dr. Fedewa for the bonus audio episode, #75 – Project Extra: The Gun Debate. For more information on Dr. Larry, you can visit his website at http://www.mypoliticalinsights.com. Larry is also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lawrencefedewa, and you can view his Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Lawrence-J.-Fedewa/e/B076P8Q1W8 (US) and https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lawrence-J.-Fedewa/e/B076P8Q1W8 (UK). Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>01:02:25cleanDr. Larry Fedewa says that Donald Trump would do well to tweet less often and to rein in some of his unseemly language, but, nevertheless, Dr. Fedewa argues that Trump is doing a good job as United States President. 77fullAidan Coughlan#76 - The Evolution of Alternative FactsThe Evolution of Alternative FactsSat, 03 Mar 2018 20:05:07 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is talking to Dr. Gleb Tsipursky of the Pro-Truth Pledge about the battle for honest discourse. This is an important consideration. During a speech at the White House in January 2017, Donald Trump’s Press Secretary at the time, Sean Spicer, famously said: “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe.” This statement has been endlessly mocked, but, in more serious terms, it has come to represent, as stated shortly afterwards without irony by Trump advisor, Kellyanne Conway, as not being a lie, but an entirely different version of the truth. Spicer, explained Conway, was not being dishonest, but was dealing in “alternative facts”. Comparisons to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four were manifestly obvious and, indeed, were deeply indicative of a very real problem. What is the answer to alternative facts? Utilising research in behavioral science, Dr. Tsipursky is leading a team effort to address post-truth politics, fake news, and those unscrupulous alternative facts. Dr. Tsipursky is asking people, be they members of congress or members of the public, to sign the Pro-Truth Pledge as a commitment to deal in only one type of fact, and not the alternative variety. Dr. Tsipursky explains the motivation behind this movement, and outlines his hopes for a more honest arena of public discourse. Why are humans so easily misled? What can be done about fake news? Is it possible that Donald Trump would sign such a pledge? How has social media been manipulated to spread misinformation, and can this be prevented? These questions, including a fascinating look at why humans are, from an evolutionary standpoint, poorly equipped to deal with the modern age, are featured in this episode.

Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is talking to Dr. Gleb Tsipursky of the Pro-Truth Pledge about the battle for honest discourse. This is an important consideration. During a speech at the White House in January 2017, Donald Trump’s Press Secretary at the time, Sean Spicer, famously said: “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe.” This statement has been endlessly mocked, but, in more serious terms, it has come to represent, as stated shortly afterwards without irony by Trump advisor, Kellyanne Conway, as not being a lie, but an entirely different version of the truth. Spicer, explained Conway, was not being dishonest, but was dealing in “alternative facts”. Comparisons to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four were manifestly obvious and, indeed, were deeply indicative of a very real problem. What is the answer to alternative facts? Utilising research in behavioral science, Dr. Tsipursky is leading a team effort to address post-truth politics, fake news, and those unscrupulous alternative facts. Dr. Tsipursky is asking people, be they members of congress or members of the public, to sign the Pro-Truth Pledge as a commitment to deal in only one type of fact, and not the alternative variety. Dr. Tsipursky explains the motivation behind this movement, and outlines his hopes for a more honest arena of public discourse. Why are humans so easily misled? What can be done about fake news? Is it possible that Donald Trump would sign such a pledge? How has social media been manipulated to spread misinformation, and can this be prevented? These questions, including a fascinating look at why humans are, from an evolutionary standpoint, poorly equipped to deal with the modern age, are featured in this episode. For more information on the Pro-Truth Pledge, or to sign the pledge, head to https://www.protruthpledge.org/take-the-pro-truth-pledge/ Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>55:30cleanDuring a speech at the White House in January 2017, Donald Trump’s Press Secretary at the time, Sean Spicer, famously said: “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe.” This statement has been endlessly mocked, but, in more serious terms, it has come to represent, as stated shortly afterwards without irony by Trump advisor, Kellyanne Conway, as not being a lie, but a different version of the truth. 76fullAidan Coughlan#75 - Project Extra: The Gun DebateProject Extra: The Gun DebateSun, 25 Feb 2018 18:46:16 +0000In this bonus edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Dr. Larry Fedewa, a conservative political commentator, with countless media contributions to his name, including the Washington Times. In this mini-episode, Dr. Larry offers his reflections on the 14 February 2018 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, before discussing the wider issue of guns in American culture. Dr. Larry talks about the Second Amendment, the failures of the FBI, the culture clash in the US between rural and urban areas, and more. How soluble is the gun problem in America? Or is the problem less about guns, but more about mental health and law enforcement? Dr. Larry provides considered insight into these questions.

Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>In this bonus edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is speaking to Dr. Larry Fedewa, a conservative political commentator, with countless media contributions to his name, including the Washington Times. In this mini-episode, Dr. Larry offers his reflections on the 14 February 2018 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, before discussing the wider issue of guns in American culture. Dr. Larry talks about the Second Amendment, the failures of the FBI, the culture clash in the US between rural and urban areas, and more. How soluble is the gun problem in America? Or is the problem less about guns, but more about mental health and law enforcement? Dr. Larry provides considered insight into these questions. For more information on Dr. Larry, you can visit his website at http://www.mypoliticalinsights.com. Larry is also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lawrencefedewa, and you can view his Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Lawrence-J.-Fedewa/e/B076P8Q1W8 (US) and https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lawrence-J.-Fedewa/e/B076P8Q1W8 (UK). Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>22:53cleanHow soluble is the gun problem in America? Or is the problem less about guns, but more about mental health and law enforcement? Aidan speaks to Dr. Larry Fedewa, a conservative political commentator, with countless media contributions to his name, including the Washington Times.75bonusAidan Coughlan#74 - Déjà Vu: Consciousness and Free WillDéjà Vu: Consciousness and Free WillThu, 22 Feb 2018 22:19:18 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Mary Shores, author of Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life, to discuss neuroscience, positive thinking, free will, the self, consciousness, stress, the negative aspects of social media, and much more. In fact, Aidan and Mary are having this conversation for the second time, the previous conversation having been lost due to the capricious nature of technology. This time, however, nothing was lost, and a wide-ranging conversation has been preserved. Recognized as a leader of innovative thought, Mary travels across the United States giving lectures, and teaching courses, and has been featured on local and national radio and television shows, podcasts, and blogs. Within this episode, Mary speaks candidly about life’s challenges, providing practical guidance, alongside first-hand experience, to explain the power of positive thinking.

]]>01:18:54cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Mary Shores, author of Conscious Communications, to discuss neuroscience, positive thinking, free will, the self, consciousness, the negative aspects of social media, and much more. 74fullAidan Coughlan#73 - Abraham's Secular CovenantAbraham's Secular CovenantSat, 17 Feb 2018 20:39:28 +0000Abraham is the common patriarch of the three major world religions. Indeed, Abraham was supposedly a man of such faith in God that, when commanded to do so, he would have sacrificed his son, Isaac, to prove his devotion. Such fanciful tales are easily dismissed, but Aidan’s guest, Bernard Lamborelle, argues that the Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - very likely do have a real story to tell about a covenant, but not a religious one. Instead, an earthly tale, argues Lamborelle, would later be adapted and obscured until a simple handshake between Abraham and a mortal lord became a story which proclaimed a divine covenant with the almighty. Lamborelle’s industrious research resulted in a book, The Covenant: On the Origin of the Abrahamic Faith, by Means of Deification, which takes readers back to 3,500 years ago, to a time when men of power were viewed as living gods. Using a holistic, literal, and secular interpretation, this historical essay first demonstrates that the Abrahamic narrative from Genesis is far more coherent when considered from the standpoint of a mortal lord alongside the establishment of an earthly, rather than divine, covenant. In this episode, Aidan and Bernard discuss the fascinating reframing of Abraham’s covenant, the implications that the adoption of such an understanding could have for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and a great deal more, including the battle between the forces of secularism and religious literalism.

Bernard has very kindly made the book available via Smashwords for a period of 30 days following the release of this episode. Head to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/766677 and simply enter the code HG64L at the checkout. The offer expires on 16 March 2018.

You can visit Bernard’s web site at http://www.earthlycovenant.com/ and follow Bernard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/blambore. Bernard would be delighted to hear from you.]]>Abraham is the common patriarch of the three major world religions. Indeed, Abraham was supposedly a man of such faith in God that, when commanded to do so, he would have sacrificed his son, Isaac, to prove his devotion. Such fanciful tales are easily dismissed, but Aidan’s guest, Bernard Lamborelle, argues that the Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - very likely do have a real story to tell about a covenant, but not a religious one. Instead, an earthly tale, argues Lamborelle, would later be adapted and obscured until a simple handshake between Abraham and a mortal lord became a story which proclaimed a divine covenant with the almighty. Lamborelle’s industrious research resulted in a book, The Covenant: On the Origin of the Abrahamic Faith, by Means of Deification, which takes readers back to 3,500 years ago, to a time when men of power were viewed as living gods. Using a holistic, literal, and secular interpretation, this historical essay first demonstrates that the Abrahamic narrative from Genesis is far more coherent when considered from the standpoint of a mortal lord alongside the establishment of an earthly, rather than divine, covenant. In this episode, Aidan and Bernard discuss the fascinating reframing of Abraham’s covenant, the implications that the adoption of such an understanding could have for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and a great deal more, including the battle between the forces of secularism and religious literalism. Bernard has very kindly made the book available via Smashwords for a period of 30 days following the release of this episode. Head to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/766677 and simply enter the code HG64L at the checkout. The offer expires on 16 March 2018. You can visit Bernard’s web site at http://www.earthlycovenant.com/ and follow Bernard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/blambore. Bernard would be delighted to hear from you.]]>01:13:17cleanBernard Lamborelle argues that the Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - very likely do have a real story to tell about a covenant, but not a religious one. Instead, an earthly tale, argues Lamborelle, would later be adapted and obscured until a simple handshake between Abraham and a mortal lord became a story which proclaimed a divine covenant with the almighty. 73fullAidan Coughlan#72 - The Mob Historian: An Episode You Can't RefuseThe Mob Historian: An Episode You Can't RefuseFri, 09 Feb 2018 20:51:45 +0000Christian Cipollini writes very good books about very bad things. This is a very good podcast about those same very bad things. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Christian Cipollini, an award-winning historian of the criminal underworld, discusses organised crime, the mob and some of its most notorious characters. Charles “Lucky” Luciano is a particular person of interest for Christian, and with good reason. Luciano, an Italian mobster in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century, is considered by some to be the father of modern organised crime. Aidan and Christian discuss Luciano, the definition of ‘mob’ and ‘mafia’, prohibition, violence, Hollywood’s obsession with gangsters, and much more. Christian has been a featured expert guest on numerous television documentaries for various broadcasters, including the History Channel and National Geographic. For more information on Christian, you can visit Stache Publishing's author profile, including a look at Christian's remarkable graphic novels, at http://www.stachepublishing.com/creator-profile-christian-cipollini-gangster-historian/, you can head to Christian's website at https://www.ganglandlegends.com/, you can browse his impressive Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Cipollini/e/B00CP95F4K for the United States, or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christian-Cipollini/e/B00CP95F4K for the United Kingdom.

Expanded show notes are available at https://www.theaidanproject.org]]>Christian Cipollini writes very good books about very bad things. This is a very good podcast about those same very bad things. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Christian Cipollini, an award-winning historian of the criminal underworld, discusses organised crime, the mob and some of its most notorious characters. Charles “Lucky” Luciano is a particular person of interest for Christian, and with good reason. Luciano, an Italian mobster in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century, is considered by some to be the father of modern organised crime. Aidan and Christian discuss Luciano, the definition of ‘mob’ and ‘mafia’, prohibition, violence, Hollywood’s obsession with gangsters, and much more. Christian has been a featured expert guest on numerous television documentaries for various broadcasters, including the History Channel and National Geographic. For more information on Christian, you can visit Stache Publishing's author profile, including a look at Christian's remarkable graphic novels, at http://www.stachepublishing.com/creator-profile-christian-cipollini-gangster-historian/, you can head to Christian's website at https://www.ganglandlegends.com/, you can browse his impressive Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Cipollini/e/B00CP95F4K for the United States, or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christian-Cipollini/e/B00CP95F4K for the United Kingdom. Expanded show notes are available at https://www.theaidanproject.org]]>01:10:13cleanChristian Cipollini writes very good books about very bad things. This is a very good podcast about those same very bad things. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Christian Cipollini, an award-winning historian of the criminal underworld, discusses organised crime, the mob and some of its most notorious characters. 72fullAidan Coughlan#71 - Inspiring The Aidan ProjectInspiring The Aidan ProjectFri, 02 Feb 2018 11:27:18 +0000In a very different edition of the podcast, Aidan takes you behind the scenes of The Aidan Project. Within this reflective podcast, Aidan introduces Inspiring The Aidan Project, a potential separate podcast series which would highlight the men and women whose thinking has inspired Aidan. Aidan then presents a pilot episode for this prospective series; the pilot tells the story of George Orwell. Also in this episode, Aidan offers further reflections on Winston Churchill, following episode 69: The Churchill Myth: Many Dark Hours, and talks about every podcaster’s worst nightmare: a full-length conversation which will never be heard.

]]>In a very different edition of the podcast, Aidan takes you behind the scenes of The Aidan Project. Within this reflective podcast, Aidan introduces Inspiring The Aidan Project, a potential separate podcast series which would highlight the men and women whose thinking has inspired Aidan. Aidan then presents a pilot episode for this prospective series; the pilot tells the story of George Orwell. Also in this episode, Aidan offers further reflections on Winston Churchill, following episode 69: The Churchill Myth: Many Dark Hours, and talks about every podcaster’s worst nightmare: a full-length conversation which will never be heard.

]]>20:12cleanIn a very different edition of the podcast, Aidan takes you behind the scenes of The Aidan Project. Within this reflective podcast, Aidan introduces Inspiring The Aidan Project, a potential separate podcast series which would highlight the men and women whose thinking has inspired Aidan. Aidan then presents a pilot episode for this prospective series.71fullAidan Coughlan#70 - Notes on the Great Debate: Paine Versus BurkeNotes on the Great Debate: Paine Versus BurkeWed, 24 Jan 2018 21:53:32 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan looks at the remarkable debate that is, according to some historians, the origins of left versus right politics - or progressive versus conservative. In the late eighteenth century, Edmund Burke went up against Thomas Paine, each offering entirely different opinions on the French Revolution. Paine, writing in his most celebrated book, Rights of Man (1791), argued: “Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well as to possess.” Burke had spoken out against the revolt in France, saying the chaos and upheaval would eventually be settled by a dictatorship. He was right. Paine certainly did not see Napoleon coming. Britain avoided revolution; instead, Britain moved further to the right. This episode further explores some of the themes from episode 69, The Churchill Myth: Many Dark Hours. Aidan also gives his damning verdict on the dire standard of discourse on social media, where debate is certainly not great.

Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan looks at the remarkable debate that is, according to some historians, the origins of left versus right politics - or progressive versus conservative. In the late eighteenth century, Edmund Burke went up against Thomas Paine, each offering entirely different opinions on the French Revolution. Paine, writing in his most celebrated book, Rights of Man (1791), argued: “Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well as to possess.” Burke had spoken out against the revolt in France, saying the chaos and upheaval would eventually be settled by a dictatorship. He was right. Paine certainly did not see Napoleon coming. Britain avoided revolution; instead, Britain moved further to the right. This episode further explores some of the themes from episode 69, The Churchill Myth: Many Dark Hours. Aidan also gives his damning verdict on the dire standard of discourse on social media, where debate is certainly not great. Expanded show notes are available at https://theaidanproject.org/]]>18:43cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan looks at the remarkable debate that is, according to some historians, the origins of left versus right politics - or progressive versus conservative. In the late eighteenth century, Edmund Burke went up against Thomas Paine, each offering entirely different opinions on the French Revolution.70fullAidan Coughlan#69 – The Churchill Myth: Many Dark HoursThe Churchill Myth: Many Dark HoursTue, 16 Jan 2018 17:34:45 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Christopher Hale, a distinguished freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, to discuss the less distinguished elements of the career of Winston Churchill. Yet another Churchill film, Darkest Hour, was released on 12 January 2018 in the United Kingdom. The film begins in May 1940, with Churchill about to take on the role of Prime Minister. Indeed, Churchill’s charismatic resilience has defined the popular interpretation of Britain’s experience of the Second World War. However, there is far more to Churchill than his wartime leadership. Indeed, several chapters of the real Churchill story are deeply unpleasant. The Bengal famine of 1943-44, when two million people died, is such an example. What was Churchill’s attitude towards the people of British India? What type of person was Churchill? Was he a racist even by the standards of his time? These questions, and more, including a discussion on remembering the British Empire, are examined on this episode. We must understand our history, all of it, not just the patriotic triumphs, to become a modern democratic nation. ‘Become a modern democratic nation’, you say?

Expanded show notes are available at http://www.theaidanproject.org]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Christopher Hale, a distinguished freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, to discuss the less distinguished elements of the career of Winston Churchill. Yet another Churchill film, Darkest Hour, was released on 12 January 2018 in the United Kingdom. The film begins in May 1940, with Churchill about to take on the role of Prime Minister. Indeed, Churchill’s charismatic resilience has defined the popular interpretation of Britain’s experience of the Second World War. However, there is far more to Churchill than his wartime leadership. Indeed, several chapters of the real Churchill story are deeply unpleasant. The Bengal famine of 1943-44, when two million people died, is such an example. What was Churchill’s attitude towards the people of British India? What type of person was Churchill? Was he a racist even by the standards of his time? These questions, and more, including a discussion on remembering the British Empire, are examined on this episode. We must understand our history, all of it, not just the patriotic triumphs, to become a modern democratic nation. ‘Become a modern democratic nation’, you say? Expanded show notes are available at http://www.theaidanproject.org]]>01:00:49cleanWhat type of person was Churchill? Was he a racist even by the standards of his time? These questions, and more, including a discussion on remembering the British Empire, are examined on this episode. We must understand our history, all of it, not just the patriotic triumphs, to become a modern democratic nation. ‘Become a modern democratic nation’, you say?69fullAidan Coughlan#68 - Notes on Pascal’s WagerNotes on Pascal’s WagerFri, 12 Jan 2018 16:43:24 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines Pascal’s Wager. Blaise Pascal (1623–62) was a talented French mathematician, physicist, inventor and writer, but he is most famous for his theological work. Pascal’s famous wager argues that it is rational to believe in God, because the benefits of this belief being justified when you die are vast: Entry into heaven, avoidance of hell. By contrast, said Pascal, even if Goddoes not exist, the costs of living as if Goddoes existare trivial. To not believe in God, therefore, is irrational. Whilst it also means you will never know that God does not exist if He, in fact, does not exist, you risk fiery damnation if Hedoes exist. Your life is a bet, believed Pascal, and, on the balance of probability, there is only one way to place it - on belief. In a mathematical sense,if we believe in God, and He exists, the rewards are infinite, and if we are wrong, the losses are hardly worth worrying about.If we do not believe in God, but we are wrong, the punishments are potentially infinite.Aidan examines the merits of Pascal’s Wager, and explores its common criticisms. Place your bets.]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines Pascal’s Wager. Blaise Pascal (1623–62) was a talented French mathematician, physicist, inventor and writer, but he is most famous for his theological work. Pascal’s famous wager argues that it is rational to believe in God, because the benefits of this belief being justified when you die are vast: Entry into heaven, avoidance of hell. By contrast, said Pascal, even if God does not exist, the costs of living as if God does exist are trivial. To not believe in God, therefore, is irrational. Whilst it also means you will never know that God does not exist if He, in fact, does not exist, you risk fiery damnation if He does exist. Your life is a bet, believed Pascal, and, on the balance of probability, there is only one way to place it - on belief. In a mathematical sense, if we believe in God, and He exists, the rewards are infinite, and if we are wrong, the losses are hardly worth worrying about. If we do not believe in God, but we are wrong, the punishments are potentially infinite. Aidan examines the merits of Pascal’s Wager, and explores its common criticisms. Place your bets.]]>19:41cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan examines Pascal’s Wager. Blaise Pascal (1623–62) was a talented French mathematician, physicist, inventor and writer, but he is most famous for his theological work. Pascal’s famous wager argues that it is rational to believe in God, because the benefits of this belief being justified when you die are vast: Entry into heaven, avoidance of hell.68fullAidan Coughlan#67 - Project Extra: New Year’s RevolutionProject Extra: New Year’s RevolutionThu, 04 Jan 2018 20:27:39 +0000In this edition ofProject Extra, Aidan presents previously unreleased audio from his conversation with Jared Miracle for episode 66, Hope and Chaos: 2017 Unpacked. In this bonus audio, Jared talks about the sexual harassment scandal which rocked Hollywood, the war on experts, and offers his take on a man who needs no introduction - Donald Trump. Aidan also shares his hopes for 2018, including a new revolution in Iran, and what the left needs to do to get back on track. Happy New Year to one and all fromThe Aidan Project. For more information on Jared, please visit his web site at http://www.jaredmiracle.com. Please refer to https://theaidanproject.org/ for the expanded show notes.]]>In this edition of Project Extra, Aidan presents previously unreleased audio from his conversation with Jared Miracle for episode 66, Hope and Chaos: 2017 Unpacked. In this bonus audio, Jared talks about the sexual harassment scandal which rocked Hollywood, the war on experts, and offers his take on a man who needs no introduction - Donald Trump. Aidan also shares his hopes for 2018, including a new revolution in Iran, and what the left needs to do to get back on track. Happy New Year to one and all from The Aidan Project. For more information on Jared, please visit his web site at http://www.jaredmiracle.com. Please refer to https://theaidanproject.org/ for the expanded show notes.]]>20:47cleanIn this edition of Project Extra, Aidan presents previously unreleased audio from his conversation with Jared Miracle for episode 66, Hope and Chaos: 2017 Unpacked. In this bonus audio, Jared talks about the sexual harassment scandal which rocked Hollywood, the war on experts, and offers his take on a man who needs no introduction - Donald Trump. Aidan also shares his hopes for 2018. Happy New Year to one and all from The Aidan Project.67bonusAidan Coughlan#66 - Hope and Chaos: 2017 UnpackedHope and Chaos: 2017 UnpackedTue, 26 Dec 2017 20:08:00 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, to review 2017. Taking a thematic approach, Aidan and Jared look at the stories which they believe will retain importance in the coming years. This is not a mere countdown show, but a considered appraisal of what 2017 will come to represent in the future. What will 2017 be remembered for in political circles? What issue of protest or division in 2017 will dominate the history books? And, amongst several stories which are perhaps not conducive to generating a smug sense of satisfaction about human progress, what was the most heartwarming moment of 2017? The year has not lacked in hatred, but what can it offer in hope?Aidan and Jared have both chosen an option from the following themes:The Biggest StoryPolitics and International RelationsProtest and DivisionScience, Technology and the EnvironmentPopular CultureHeartwarmingTo all listeners of the podcast, thank you so much for listening this year - have a wonderful 2018.

]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, to review 2017. Taking a thematic approach, Aidan and Jared look at the stories which they believe will retain importance in the coming years. This is not a mere countdown show, but a considered appraisal of what 2017 will come to represent in the future. What will 2017 be remembered for in political circles? What issue of protest or division in 2017 will dominate the history books? And, amongst several stories which are perhaps not conducive to generating a smug sense of satisfaction about human progress, what was the most heartwarming moment of 2017? The year has not lacked in hatred, but what can it offer in hope?Aidan and Jared have both chosen an option from the following themes:The Biggest StoryPolitics and International RelationsProtest and DivisionScience, Technology and the EnvironmentPopular CultureHeartwarmingTo all listeners of the podcast, thank you so much for listening this year - have a wonderful 2018.

]]>53:34cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, to review 2017. Taking a thematic approach, Aidan and Jared look at the stories which they believe will retain importance in the coming years. This is not a mere countdown show, but a considered appraisal of what 2017 will come to represent in the future. 66fullAidan Coughlan#65 - Project Extra: Trump Tower or Bleak HouseProject Extra: Trump Tower or Bleak HouseTue, 19 Dec 2017 13:36:53 +0000In this bonus episode of the podcast, Aidan and cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, discuss Donald Trump’s legislative victory on tax reform. Republicans from the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed on a joint bill which will sanction significant restructuring to US taxation.The Washington PostandFox News, to the surprise of nobody, have taken entirely different views on the bill. These contrasting stances are typical of the polarisation of political discourse in the age of Trump. Writing in thePost, Fareed Zakaria claimed that the bill is “ushering in a bleak future." However, David Moore ofFox Newsargued that Democrats “can’t ever be happy by anything the president or congressional Republicans do.” According to the media, America is either doomed or is on the march towards greatness.This bonus audio was recorded after Aidan and Jared’s conversation for an upcoming special episode, ‘2017: The Year in Review’. The episode will be released later this month.

For the expanded show notes, see http://www.theaidanproject.org/]]>In this bonus episode of the podcast, Aidan and cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, discuss Donald Trump’s legislative victory on tax reform. Republicans from the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed on a joint bill which will sanction significant restructuring to US taxation. The Washington Post and Fox News, to the surprise of nobody, have taken entirely different views on the bill. These contrasting stances are typical of the polarisation of political discourse in the age of Trump. Writing in the Post, Fareed Zakaria claimed that the bill is “ushering in a bleak future." However, David Moore of Fox News argued that Democrats “can’t ever be happy by anything the president or congressional Republicans do.” According to the media, America is either doomed or is on the march towards greatness.This bonus audio was recorded after Aidan and Jared’s conversation for an upcoming special episode, ‘2017: The Year in Review’. The episode will be released later this month. For the expanded show notes, see http://www.theaidanproject.org/]]>16:32cleanAidan and cultural anthropologist, Jared Miracle, discuss Donald Trump’s legislative victory on tax reform. Republicans from the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed on a joint bill which will sanction significant restructuring to US taxation. The Washington Post and Fox News, to the surprise of nobody, have taken entirely different views on the bill. [This bonus audio was recorded after Aidan and Jared’s conversation for an upcoming special episode, ‘2017: The Year in Review’.]65fullAidan Coughlan#64 - Notes on Jerusalem SyndromeNotes on Jerusalem SyndromeSat, 09 Dec 2017 22:28:15 +0000The status of Jerusalem is a leading news story, following Donald Trump’s historic announcement that the United States will recognise the Holy City as the capital of Israel. Aidan looked at the contentious issue of Israel and Palestine back in episode five, The Demise of the Two State Solution. The ancient city of Jerusalem, well known for its importance to the Abrahamic religions, is also at the centre of a peculiar religious psychosis, called Jerusalem syndrome. On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan explores Jerusalem syndrome, a clinical psychiatric condition, defined as a temporary state of sudden and intense religious delusions, which manifest while visiting or living in Jerusalem. Examples of Jerusalem syndrome include that of a man from Austria, who became enraged at hotel staff who would not prepare for him a last supper, and a man from the United States Midwest, who was found wandering the city, dressed in a white robe, claiming to be the Apostle Paul. Indeed, many people have become intoxicated with religious devotion in Jerusalem, including Homer Simpson. In a 2010 episode of The Simpsons, the phenomena served as the key plot point, with Homer believing himself to be the Messiah. Aidan also looks at Christopher Hitchens’ verdict on Jerusalem syndrome, which was as unforgiving as one might expect.]]>The status of Jerusalem is a leading news story, following Donald Trump’s historic announcement that the United States will recognise the Holy City as the capital of Israel. Aidan looked at the contentious issue of Israel and Palestine back in episode five, The Demise of the Two State Solution. The ancient city of Jerusalem, well known for its importance to the Abrahamic religions, is also at the centre of a peculiar religious psychosis, called Jerusalem syndrome. On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan explores Jerusalem syndrome, a clinical psychiatric condition, defined as a temporary state of sudden and intense religious delusions, which manifest while visiting or living in Jerusalem. Examples of Jerusalem syndrome include that of a man from Austria, who became enraged at hotel staff who would not prepare for him a last supper, and a man from the United States Midwest, who was found wandering the city, dressed in a white robe, claiming to be the Apostle Paul. Indeed, many people have become intoxicated with religious devotion in Jerusalem, including Homer Simpson. In a 2010 episode of The Simpsons, the phenomena served as the key plot point, with Homer believing himself to be the Messiah. Aidan also looks at Christopher Hitchens’ verdict on Jerusalem syndrome, which was as unforgiving as one might expect.]]>20:21cleanOn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan explores Jerusalem syndrome, a clinical psychiatric condition, defined as a temporary state of sudden and intense religious delusions which manifest while visiting or living in Jerusalem. Examples of Jerusalem syndrome include that of a man from Austria, who became enraged at hotel staff who would not prepare for him a last supper, and a man from the United States Midwest, who was found wandering the city, dressed in a white robe, claiming to be the Apostle Paul. 64fullAidan Coughlan#63 - Tribalism Aboard the Ship of TheseusTribalism Aboard the Ship of TheseusThu, 30 Nov 2017 22:05:56 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan welcomes back philosopher, Dr. Benedict Beckeld, for a conversation which explores the current political climate, and delves into intriguing questions regarding the self and personal agency. Why has the political climate become so polarised? What is causing this failure of communication? And how do we understand our own personal self - is the self an illusion and do we have the ability to have acted differently in a given situation? Could letting go of an illusory idea of ourselves liberate us to better live, love and learn? Aidan and Benedict discuss tribalism, free speech, political discourse, journalism, truth, relativism, and the deep questions of the self and free will. Aidan and Benedict also both share an example of an unwitting experience in less than honourable journalism - in Benedict’s case, his comments on inner and outer beauty were used in an egregiously misrepresentative manner by an American tabloid newspaper. The episode begins with a summary of the theme from Aidan and Benedict’s previous conversation, episode 12, Western Downfall: Why Trump Won. Benedict explains whether he feels the conditions which led to Donald Trump’s presidency have begun to change or have continued unabated. Dr. Beckeld was born in Sweden to Brazilian and Jewish parents, but emigrated with his family to New York City as a teenager. Dr. Beckeld’s philosophy has thus far focused primarily on matters of aesthetics, ethics, contemporary culture, political philosophy and the philosophy of history. For more information on Dr. Beckeld, you can find him online at www.benedictbeckeld.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benedictbeckeld]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan welcomes back philosopher, Dr. Benedict Beckeld, for a conversation which explores the current political climate, and delves into intriguing questions regarding the self and personal agency. Why has the political climate become so polarised? What is causing this failure of communication? And how do we understand our own personal self - is the self an illusion and do we have the ability to have acted differently in a given situation? Could letting go of an illusory idea of ourselves liberate us to better live, love and learn? Aidan and Benedict discuss tribalism, free speech, political discourse, journalism, truth, relativism, and the deep questions of the self and free will. Aidan and Benedict also both share an example of an unwitting experience in less than honourable journalism - in Benedict’s case, his comments on inner and outer beauty were used in an egregiously misrepresentative manner by an American tabloid newspaper. The episode begins with a summary of the theme from Aidan and Benedict’s previous conversation, episode 12, Western Downfall: Why Trump Won. Benedict explains whether he feels the conditions which led to Donald Trump’s presidency have begun to change or have continued unabated. Dr. Beckeld was born in Sweden to Brazilian and Jewish parents, but emigrated with his family to New York City as a teenager. Dr. Beckeld’s philosophy has thus far focused primarily on matters of aesthetics, ethics, contemporary culture, political philosophy and the philosophy of history. For more information on Dr. Beckeld, you can find him online at www.benedictbeckeld.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benedictbeckeld]]>01:03:15cleanIn this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan welcomes back philosopher, Dr. Benedict Beckeld, for a conversation which explores the current political climate, and delves into intriguing questions regarding the self and personal agency. Why has the political climate become so polarised? What is causing this failure of communication? And how do we understand our own personal self - is the self an illusion and do we have the ability to have acted differently in a given situation? 63fullAidan Coughlan#62 - Best of the Project, Vol 3: Orwell’s VictoryBest of the Project, Vol 3: Orwell’s VictorySat, 25 Nov 2017 16:16:22 +0000“During the Spanish civil war”, wrote George Orwell, “I found myself feeling very strongly that a true history of this war never would or could be written.” Included in this ‘best of’ history compilation, Aidan and Dave Ebsworth explicate the events in Spain and the historical context in which they occurred. Aidan also discusses the Irish Famine with Professor Liam Kennedy, the infamous Parisian Great Cat Massacre with Jared Miracle, the 2003 invasion of Iraq with Sami Ramadani, the Holocaust with Gerald and Trisha Posner, the nineteenth century reimagining of Atlantis with Christopher Hale, the Cold War with Ran Levi, and a great deal more. The Aidan Project remains intact after a year of podcasting – thank you so very much for your support.]]>“During the Spanish civil war”, wrote George Orwell, “I found myself feeling very strongly that a true history of this war never would or could be written.” Included in this ‘best of’ history compilation, Aidan and Dave Ebsworth explicate the events in Spain and the historical context in which they occurred. Aidan also discusses the Irish Famine with Professor Liam Kennedy, the infamous Parisian Great Cat Massacre with Jared Miracle, the 2003 invasion of Iraq with Sami Ramadani, the Holocaust with Gerald and Trisha Posner, the nineteenth century reimagining of Atlantis with Christopher Hale, the Cold War with Ran Levi, and a great deal more. The Aidan Project remains intact after a year of podcasting – thank you so very much for your support.]]>01:50:54clean“During the Spanish civil war”, wrote George Orwell, “I found myself feeling very strongly that a true history of this war never would or could be written.” Included in this ‘best of’ history compilation, Aidan and Dave Ebsworth explicate the events in Spain and the historical context in which they occurred. Aidan also discusses the Irish Famine with Professor Liam Kennedy, the Great Cat Massacre with Jared Miracle, the Holocaust with Gerald and Trisha Posner, and a great deal more.62fullAidan Coughlan#61 – Best of the Project, Vol 2: Donald TrumpBest of the Project, Vol 2: Donald TrumpSat, 18 Nov 2017 17:46:43 +0000In a tour de force of audio, Aidan presents highlights from previous episodes which have addressed Trump’s ascendancy and rule. With contributions from a range of guests over the past 12 months, in addition to highlights from a number of Aidan’s solo, ‘Notes on…’ episodes, this ‘best of’ presents discussions on the controversy, intrigue and leadership of the inimitable 45th president of the United States of America. To consult a list of the full line-up of guests and episodes featured in this collection, please refer to the expanded show notes available at www.TheAidanProject.org]]>In a tour de force of audio, Aidan presents highlights from previous episodes which have addressed Trump’s ascendancy and rule. With contributions from a range of guests over the past 12 months, in addition to highlights from a number of Aidan’s solo, ‘Notes on…’ episodes, this ‘best of’ presents discussions on the controversy, intrigue and leadership of the inimitable 45th president of the United States of America. To consult a list of the full line-up of guests and episodes featured in this collection, please refer to the expanded show notes available at www.TheAidanProject.org]]>01:47:02cleanDuring 12 months of covering the sublime and, in light of a great deal of madness, no shortage of the ridiculous, it is time to look back and reflect at what has been happening. The theme of this compilation is the remarkable anointing and presidency of Donald Trump. In a tour de force of audio, Aidan presents highlights from episodes which have addressed Trump’s ascendancy and rule.61fullAidan Coughlan#60 - Best of the Project, Vol 1: ArmisticeBest of the Project, Vol 1: ArmisticeFri, 10 Nov 2017 19:39:23 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, the podcast marks a year online with the first ‘best of’ episode. This episode features audio from Aidan’s conversations with Dr. Paul Dean for the 'America’s Great War'series of episodes. This special compilation is being released ahead of Armistice Day, 11 November. On November 11 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France. It brought an end to the awful hostilities of what was thought to be at the time the war to end all wars. This episode looks at World War One from the battle of the Somme to the peace treaty at Versailles. Aidan’s special guest, Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author ofCourage: Roy Blanchard’s Journey in America’s Forgotten War. For more information on Paul, please visit his web site atwww.paultdean.com.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, the podcast marks a year online with the first ‘best of’ episode. This episode features audio from Aidan’s conversations with Dr. Paul Dean for the 'America’s Great War' series of episodes. This special compilation is being released ahead of Armistice Day, 11 November. On November 11 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France. It brought an end to the awful hostilities of what was thought to be at the time the war to end all wars. This episode looks at World War One from the battle of the Somme to the peace treaty at Versailles. Aidan’s special guest, Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of Courage: Roy Blanchard’s Journey in America’s Forgotten War. For more information on Paul, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>01:04:21cleanIn this edition of the Aidan Project, the podcast marks a year online with the first ‘best of’ episode. This episode features audio from Aidan’s conversations with Dr. Paul Dean for the 'America’s Great War' series of episodes. This special compilation is being released ahead of Armistice Day, 11 November. On November 11 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France.160fullAidan Coughlan#59 - Notes on Terror, Treason and AnarchyNotes on Terror, Treason and AnarchyFri, 03 Nov 2017 21:14:37 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan talks about the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes in popular culture, and the definition of terrorism. In 1605, Catholic dissidents in England attempted to mount an insurrection by first murdering King James I of England and Scotland, along with other notables, in a planned explosion of the Houses of Parliament. Robert Catesby led the audacious scheme to topple the Protestant hierarchy, but it is Fawkes who is most associated with the events of that dramatic 5 November near-miss. Moreover, the subsequent adoption of an abstract idea of Guy Fawkes as somehow playfully representing anarchism and anti-fascism is deeply ironic. The Fawkes mask is a feature of modern popular culture that is far removed from the intention Parliament had when it sought to commemorate the uncovering of the plot with an officially sanctioned annual observance. Parliament desired to remember 5 November as a deliverance from evil, but this message has since been diluted, if not quite altogether lost. In the modern age, ‘Bonfire Night’, ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ or ‘Fireworks Night’ is more notable for theatrical pyrotechnic displays and sickly candy-floss than as a reminder of what would have been an appalling atrocity. Aidan also comments on the definition of ‘terrorism’ in the wake of the Islamist terrorist attack in Lower Manhattan on 31 October.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan talks about the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes in popular culture, and the definition of terrorism. In 1605, Catholic dissidents in England attempted to mount an insurrection by first murdering King James I of England and Scotland, along with other notables, in a planned explosion of the Houses of Parliament. Robert Catesby led the audacious scheme to topple the Protestant hierarchy, but it is Fawkes who is most associated with the events of that dramatic 5 November near-miss. Moreover, the subsequent adoption of an abstract idea of Guy Fawkes as somehow playfully representing anarchism and anti-fascism is deeply ironic. The Fawkes mask is a feature of modern popular culture that is far removed from the intention Parliament had when it sought to commemorate the uncovering of the plot with an officially sanctioned annual observance. Parliament desired to remember 5 November as a deliverance from evil, but this message has since been diluted, if not quite altogether lost. In the modern age, ‘Bonfire Night’, ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ or ‘Fireworks Night’ is more notable for theatrical pyrotechnic displays and sickly candy-floss than as a reminder of what would have been an appalling atrocity. Aidan also comments on the definition of ‘terrorism’ in the wake of the Islamist terrorist attack in Lower Manhattan on 31 October.]]>21:06cleanIn this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan talks about the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes in popular culture, and the definition of terrorism. In 1605, Catholic dissidents in England attempted to mount an insurrection by first murdering King James I of England and Scotland, along with other notables, in a planned explosion of the Houses of Parliament. Aidan also comments on the definition of ‘terrorism’ in the wake of the Islamist terrorist attack in Lower Manhattan on 31 October.59fullAidan Coughlan#58 - Notes on Shame and the Modern PilloryNotes on Shame and the Modern PilloryMon, 30 Oct 2017 20:15:21 +0000Shaming is a form of social control. When a person violates the established norms of their community, the group may respond by condemning, avoiding and ostracizing the ‘guilty’ person. In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan examines public shaming in 18C London - where the guilty were placed in the pillory and pelted with various objects, including dead cats - and compares this to social media shaming. Is the treatment meted out on Twitter in 2017 little better than a 1717 stint in the pillory? Why do people join in to attack people they barely know or, more importantly, why do people attack others for ‘offences’ that are often spurious, subjective or not even understood? Aidan looks at one of the most famous cases of social media shaming, the only positive aspect of which was that no dead cats were hurled at the offender. The inherent danger in assisting with frantic social media shaming is that of potentially trivialising something real or exaggerating something trivial. There are, of course, many reasons to be genuinely outraged; Aidan is arguing that by rising up to engage in purely-reactionary shaming, the sphere of honest public discourse is suffering as a result.]]>Shaming is a form of social control. When a person violates the established norms of their community, the group may respond by condemning, avoiding and ostracizing the ‘guilty’ person. In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan examines public shaming in 18C London - where the guilty were placed in the pillory and pelted with various objects, including dead cats - and compares this to social media shaming. Is the treatment meted out on Twitter in 2017 little better than a 1717 stint in the pillory? Why do people join in to attack people they barely know or, more importantly, why do people attack others for ‘offences’ that are often spurious, subjective or not even understood? Aidan looks at one of the most famous cases of social media shaming, the only positive aspect of which was that no dead cats were hurled at the offender. The inherent danger in assisting with frantic social media shaming is that of potentially trivialising something real or exaggerating something trivial. There are, of course, many reasons to be genuinely outraged; Aidan is arguing that by rising up to engage in purely-reactionary shaming, the sphere of honest public discourse is suffering as a result.]]>12:38cleanShaming is a form of social control. When a person violates the established norms of their community, the group may respond by condemning, avoiding and ostracizing the ‘guilty’ person. In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan examines public shaming in 18C London - where the guilty were placed in the pillory and pelted with various objects, including dead cats - and compares this to social media shaming. Is the treatment meted out on Twitter in 2017 little better than a 1717 stint in the pillory? 58fullAidan Coughlan#57 - Notes on Liberalism: A Glimmer of HopeNotes on Liberalism: A Glimmer of HopeFri, 20 Oct 2017 21:33:49 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan discusses a potential hint of progress in the battle against leftist confusion. The case of Maajid Nawaz and the Southern Poverty Law Centre has been discussed several times previously on the podcast; the case is an important one for the struggle it represents. The SPLC, to the horror of those who support the notion that cultural relativism is the death knell of honest discourse, labelled Nawaz an anti-Muslim extremist in October 2016. Nawaz is suing this organisation for libel. Aidan summarises the case for new listeners and provides an update that demonstrates a glimmer of hope and, tellingly, further demonstrates the fantastic degree to which the SPLC is irrefutably mistaken. Aidan also addresses why the terms ‘leftists’ and ‘liberals’ are unreliable synonyms. Indeed, leftists and liberals are often very different in terms of their outlook. Aidan explains why liberals should care about Nawaz’s case, and why liberals must be proactive in tackling the moral confusion espoused by manic leftists. Aidan also explains legal exceptions to free speech in the United States of America under the First Amendment.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan discusses a potential hint of progress in the battle against leftist confusion. The case of Maajid Nawaz and the Southern Poverty Law Centre has been discussed several times previously on the podcast; the case is an important one for the struggle it represents. The SPLC, to the horror of those who support the notion that cultural relativism is the death knell of honest discourse, labelled Nawaz an anti-Muslim extremist in October 2016. Nawaz is suing this organisation for libel. Aidan summarises the case for new listeners and provides an update that demonstrates a glimmer of hope and, tellingly, further demonstrates the fantastic degree to which the SPLC is irrefutably mistaken. Aidan also addresses why the terms ‘leftists’ and ‘liberals’ are unreliable synonyms. Indeed, leftists and liberals are often very different in terms of their outlook. Aidan explains why liberals should care about Nawaz’s case, and why liberals must be proactive in tackling the moral confusion espoused by manic leftists. Aidan also explains legal exceptions to free speech in the United States of America under the First Amendment.]]>16:04cleanIn this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan discusses a potential hint of progress in the battle against leftist confusion. The case of Maajid Nawaz and the Southern Poverty Law Centre has been discussed several times previously on the podcast; the case is an important one for the struggle it represents. The SPLC, to the horror of those who support the notion that cultural relativism is the death knell of honest discourse, labelled Nawaz an anti-Muslim extremist in October 2016.57fullAidan Coughlan#56 - Notes on Patriotism: Taking a KneeNotes on Patriotism: Taking a KneeSat, 14 Oct 2017 10:52:05 +0000In the previous episode, Aidan talked about the British reverence for Monarchy. In this edition, Aidan moves across the pond to explore the US national identity. In recent weeks, we have been reminded of the importance of the US flag and national anthem to Americans, with Donald Trump on the offensive against sportsmen who have protested racial inequality and other related grievances by taking a knee for the US national anthem. Protesting can carry a political cost and can give ammunition to your opponent. David Frum wrote in Atlantic magazine, “Colin Kaepernick has better right to that flag and anthem than Donald Trump. Why concede that right? Assert it.” This is an interesting debate. Aidan gives his take, and explains why he would refuse to sing the British national anthem. Aidan also addresses recent comments made by Trump about press freedom. These comments follow those made in February, when - lest we forget - Trump outrageously stated that the press were “the enemy of the people.” For further reading and links to references, head to the podcast’s web site at www.TheAidanProject.org]]>In the previous episode, Aidan talked about the British reverence for Monarchy. In this edition, Aidan moves across the pond to explore the US national identity. In recent weeks, we have been reminded of the importance of the US flag and national anthem to Americans, with Donald Trump on the offensive against sportsmen who have protested racial inequality and other related grievances by taking a knee for the US national anthem. Protesting can carry a political cost and can give ammunition to your opponent. David Frum wrote in Atlantic magazine, “Colin Kaepernick has better right to that flag and anthem than Donald Trump. Why concede that right? Assert it.” This is an interesting debate. Aidan gives his take, and explains why he would refuse to sing the British national anthem. Aidan also addresses recent comments made by Trump about press freedom. These comments follow those made in February, when - lest we forget - Trump outrageously stated that the press were “the enemy of the people.” For further reading and links to references, head to the podcast’s web site at www.TheAidanProject.org]]>15:07cleanIn the previous episode, Aidan talked about the British reverence for Monarchy. In this edition, Aidan moves across the pond to explore the US national identity. In recent weeks, we have been reminded of the importance of the US flag and national anthem to Americans, with Donald Trump on the offensive against sportsmen who have protested racial inequality and other related grievances by taking a knee for the US national anthem. 56fullAidan Coughlan#55 - Notes on Monarchy: House of WaxNotes on Monarchy: House of WaxFri, 06 Oct 2017 12:23:25 +0000"Why, when the subject of royalty or monarchy is mentioned, do the British bid adieu to every vestige of proportion, modesty, humour and restraint?"Christopher HitchensThe Monarchy: A Critique of Britain's Favourite Fetish

Why, after executing a King, did the British almost immediately experience a distinct feeling of buyer’s remorse? What purpose do the British think the Royal Family serves? And how intrinsic is the yearning for monarchy within the British identity?InRights of Man, Thomas Paine, wrote stridently that he thought the British monarchical system absurd. Indeed, he helped establish the United States of America in opposition to monarchy. Christopher Hitchens said the British have a ‘fetish’ for all-things Royal. George Orwell, a man who experienced, wrote and was fearful of autocracy, explained that the British see their monarchy as a safety-valve against tyranny. Orwell pointed to the dictatorships, in stark contrast to British constitutional monarchy, which had suffocated democracy in Germany and Italy in the prelude to World War 2.These questions of national identity are, of course, subjective. But by looking at past events (such as the Civil War and its regicidal aftermath), analysing the various arguments made over time (Paine, Orwell, Hitchens and others), and seeking to understand the continued reverence for monarchy, we can gain an insight into the British identity and its apparent obsession with Royalty.At the beginning of the podcast, Aidan briefly comments on the high emotions surrounding the Catalonia referendum, and the awful Las Vegas shooting, which both occurred on 1 October 2017.

Bibliography at TheAidanProject.org

]]>"Why, when the subject of royalty or monarchy is mentioned, do the British bid adieu to every vestige of proportion, modesty, humour and restraint?"Christopher HitchensThe Monarchy: A Critique of Britain's Favourite Fetish

Why, after executing a King, did the British almost immediately experience a distinct feeling of buyer’s remorse? What purpose do the British think the Royal Family serves? And how intrinsic is the yearning for monarchy within the British identity?In Rights of Man, Thomas Paine, wrote stridently that he thought the British monarchical system absurd. Indeed, he helped establish the United States of America in opposition to monarchy. Christopher Hitchens said the British have a ‘fetish’ for all-things Royal. George Orwell, a man who experienced, wrote and was fearful of autocracy, explained that the British see their monarchy as a safety-valve against tyranny. Orwell pointed to the dictatorships, in stark contrast to British constitutional monarchy, which had suffocated democracy in Germany and Italy in the prelude to World War 2.These questions of national identity are, of course, subjective. But by looking at past events (such as the Civil War and its regicidal aftermath), analysing the various arguments made over time (Paine, Orwell, Hitchens and others), and seeking to understand the continued reverence for monarchy, we can gain an insight into the British identity and its apparent obsession with Royalty.At the beginning of the podcast, Aidan briefly comments on the high emotions surrounding the Catalonia referendum, and the awful Las Vegas shooting, which both occurred on 1 October 2017. Bibliography at TheAidanProject.org

]]>22:59cleanWhy, after executing a King, did the British almost immediately experience a distinct feeling of buyer’s remorse? What purpose do the British think the Royal Family serves? And how intrinsic is the yearning for monarchy within the British identity? In Rights of Man, Thomas Paine, wrote stridently that he thought the British monarchical system absurd. Indeed, he helped establish the United States of America in opposition to monarchy. Is the British Monarchy a House of Wax?55fullAidan Coughlan#54 - Afterword on Atheism, Hitler and NazismAfterword on Atheism, Hitler and NazismWed, 27 Sep 2017 15:19:38 +0000Kristallnacht, or ‘Night of Broken Glass’, was a notorious pogrom against German Jews throughout Nazi Germany on 9–10 November 1938. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan expands on the arguments presented in episode 49, ‘Notes on Atheism, Hitler and Nazism’, to provide a comprehensive afterword. In the original podcast, Aidan explored the classic argument of the faithful against atheism when discussing human history. This argument – especially prevalent whenever the issue of violence or hatred is discussed – is that Adolf Hitler was an atheist. The inferred claim is that this godlessness demonstrates the danger of turning away from the moral teachings of the church. Another aspect of the argument which is often thrown in as an addendum is a charge that the Third Reich was a secular movement. Aidan revisits these arguments, with particular attention to the Night of Broken Glass, to provide further insight and analysis. Aidan is on Twitter @AidanXCoughlan.]]>Kristallnacht, or ‘Night of Broken Glass’, was a notorious pogrom against German Jews throughout Nazi Germany on 9–10 November 1938. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan expands on the arguments presented in episode 49, ‘Notes on Atheism, Hitler and Nazism’, to provide a comprehensive afterword. In the original podcast, Aidan explored the classic argument of the faithful against atheism when discussing human history. This argument – especially prevalent whenever the issue of violence or hatred is discussed – is that Adolf Hitler was an atheist. The inferred claim is that this godlessness demonstrates the danger of turning away from the moral teachings of the church. Another aspect of the argument which is often thrown in as an addendum is a charge that the Third Reich was a secular movement. Aidan revisits these arguments, with particular attention to the Night of Broken Glass, to provide further insight and analysis. Aidan is on Twitter @AidanXCoughlan.]]>24:12cleanKristallnacht, or ‘Night of Broken Glass’, was a notorious pogrom against German Jews throughout Nazi Germany on 9–10 November 1938. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan expands on the arguments presented in episode 49, ‘Notes on Atheism, Hitler and Nazism’ to provide a comprehensive afterword.54fullAidan Coughlan#53 - Project Extra: Choice WordsProject Extra: Choice WordsSat, 23 Sep 2017 16:11:39 +0000In this edition of the podcast’s bonus audio series, ‘Project Extra’, Aidan again welcomes back special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University. Aidan and Jared discuss the depressing lack of choice in UK and US politics in respect of viable ruling parties, Jared’s experiences on campus with social justice warriors, the fascinating politics of sport in different regions of the world, and more. As always, a conversation with Jared is well worth your time in listening to. You can find Jared’s web site atwww.jaredmiracle.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dockungfu, and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter. Aidan is on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AidanXCoughlan.]]>In this edition of the podcast’s bonus audio series, ‘Project Extra’, Aidan again welcomes back special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University. Aidan and Jared discuss the depressing lack of choice in UK and US politics in respect of viable ruling parties, Jared’s experiences on campus with social justice warriors, the fascinating politics of sport in different regions of the world, and more. As always, a conversation with Jared is well worth your time in listening to. You can find Jared’s web site at www.jaredmiracle.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dockungfu, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter. Aidan is on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AidanXCoughlan.]]>15:53cleanIn this edition of the podcast’s bonus audio series, ‘Project Extra’, Aidan again welcomes back special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University. Aidan and Jared discuss the depressing lack of choice in UK and US politics in respect of viable ruling parties, Jared’s experiences on campus with social justice warriors, the fascinating politics of sport in different regions of the world, and more. 53bonusAidan Coughlan#52 - Project Extra: Whitewashing RevisitedProject Extra: Whitewashing RevisitedThu, 14 Sep 2017 20:07:31 +0000Is there a real problem in Hollywood with casting agents hiring white actors for roles for which the source material rather seems to necessitate a non-white actor? On this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan and special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University, revisit a subject from a previous episode - episode 27, ‘Project Extra: Whitewashing’ - and explore the latest controversy surrounding Hollywood’s casting culture. Furthermore, delving into yesteryear, Jared explains the prejudicial challenges faced by Bruce Lee, and also gives his take on the precarious nature of silver screen gender politics. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>Is there a real problem in Hollywood with casting agents hiring white actors for roles for which the source material rather seems to necessitate a non-white actor? On this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan and special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University, revisit a subject from a previous episode - episode 27, ‘Project Extra: Whitewashing’ - and explore the latest controversy surrounding Hollywood’s casting culture. Furthermore, delving into yesteryear, Jared explains the prejudicial challenges faced by Bruce Lee, and also gives his take on the precarious nature of silver screen gender politics. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>14:39cleanIs there a real problem in Hollywood with casting agents hiring white actors for roles for which the source material rather seems to necessitate a non-white actor? On this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan and special guest Jared Miracle, who holds a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University, revisit a subject from a previous episode - episode 27, ‘Project Extra: Whitewashing’ - and explore the latest controversy surrounding Hollywood’s casting culture. 52bonusAidan Coughlan#51 - Betrayal: The Rotherham Abuse ScandalBetrayal: The Rotherham Abuse ScandalSat, 09 Sep 2017 08:58:23 +0000The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal is arguably the worst child safeguarding failure in British history. In August 2014 an inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay concluded that at least 1,400 children, the majority of whom were white girls aged 11–15, had been sexually abused in the English town of Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. This abuse had been committed predominantly by British-Pakistani men. As shocking as the scale of the abuse was, what made the events even more unbelievable was the sheer incompetence of the authorities and their subsequent attempts to suppress the truth of what had been really happening. The abuse was an open secret in the town and further afield. What was not known was that the authorities were failing to produce a meaningful, transparent response of any kind. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan talks to solicitor, David Greenwood, also Chairman of Stop Church Child Abuse, to discuss this real-life horror story. David and his team of solicitors represented - and continue to represent - several of the young girls who were subjected to sexual abuse by gangs of men in Rotherham over an astonishing 16 year period. This is not a classic far-right conspiracy yarn nor is it a grisly fiction novel, though it appears as far-fetched as anything you could ever read about. Sadly it is a true story of what happens when a society and its institutions abrogate their moral responsibilities. Aidan previously spoke to David for episode 37, ‘Dogmatic Silence: Abuse in the Church’, which examined the failures of the Catholic and Anglican Churches in dealing with child sex abuse.

--

Additional notes regarding items discussed on this episode:

In the United Kingdom, you can report criminal offences to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

For listeners in the United States, see the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Visit https://www.rainn.org/ for more information.

Sarah Wilson's book is called 'Violated: A Shocking and Harrowing Survival Story from the Notorious Rotherham Abuse Scandal' and is widely available, including via Amazon.

]]>The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal is arguably the worst child safeguarding failure in British history. In August 2014 an inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay concluded that at least 1,400 children, the majority of whom were white girls aged 11–15, had been sexually abused in the English town of Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. This abuse had been committed predominantly by British-Pakistani men. As shocking as the scale of the abuse was, what made the events even more unbelievable was the sheer incompetence of the authorities and their subsequent attempts to suppress the truth of what had been really happening. The abuse was an open secret in the town and further afield. What was not known was that the authorities were failing to produce a meaningful, transparent response of any kind. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan talks to solicitor, David Greenwood, also Chairman of Stop Church Child Abuse, to discuss this real-life horror story. David and his team of solicitors represented - and continue to represent - several of the young girls who were subjected to sexual abuse by gangs of men in Rotherham over an astonishing 16 year period. This is not a classic far-right conspiracy yarn nor is it a grisly fiction novel, though it appears as far-fetched as anything you could ever read about. Sadly it is a true story of what happens when a society and its institutions abrogate their moral responsibilities. Aidan previously spoke to David for episode 37, ‘Dogmatic Silence: Abuse in the Church’, which examined the failures of the Catholic and Anglican Churches in dealing with child sex abuse.

-- Additional notes regarding items discussed on this episode: In the United Kingdom, you can report criminal offences to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. For listeners in the United States, see the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Visit https://www.rainn.org/ for more information. Sarah Wilson's book is called 'Violated: A Shocking and Harrowing Survival Story from the Notorious Rotherham Abuse Scandal' and is widely available, including via Amazon.

]]>01:01:10cleanIn August 2014 an inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay concluded that at least 1,400 children, the majority of whom were white girls aged 11–15, had been sexually abused in the English town of Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. As shocking as the scale of the abuse was, what made the events even more unbelievable was the sheer incompetence of the authorities and their subsequent attempts to suppress the truth of what had been really happening. 51fullAidan Coughlan#50 - Notes on Antifa: What’s in a Name?Notes on Antifa: What’s in a Name?Thu, 31 Aug 2017 13:06:21 +0000There is a quote, often attributed to Winston Churchill, which predicts, “The fascists of the future will call themselves anti-fascists.” Churchill probably did not say this, but the idea certainly has prowess. We all too often see well-meaning organizations come to represent the very behaviours they had set out to destroy. Is Antifa an example of this? There is evident confusion on the left surrounding the name, ‘Antifa’. Antifa is an abbreviation of ‘anti-fascist’ or ‘anti-fascist action’. Unfortunately, there is a branch of leftists who are using the explanation of the name as the only required justification for all the organisation does. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan looks at Antifa and asks, “What’s in a name?” You can tweet the show @TheAidanProject or Aidan directly @AidanXCoughlan. For further information on other groups discussed on this show, see www.sourcewatch.org.]]>There is a quote, often attributed to Winston Churchill, which predicts, “The fascists of the future will call themselves anti-fascists.” Churchill probably did not say this, but the idea certainly has prowess. We all too often see well-meaning organizations come to represent the very behaviours they had set out to destroy. Is Antifa an example of this? There is evident confusion on the left surrounding the name, ‘Antifa’. Antifa is an abbreviation of ‘anti-fascist’ or ‘anti-fascist action’. Unfortunately, there is a branch of leftists who are using the explanation of the name as the only required justification for all the organisation does. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan looks at Antifa and asks, “What’s in a name?” You can tweet the show @TheAidanProject or Aidan directly @AidanXCoughlan. For further information on other groups discussed on this show, see www.sourcewatch.org.]]>10:38clean50fullAidan Coughlan#49 - Notes on Atheism, Hitler and NazismNotes on Atheism, Hitler and NazismThu, 24 Aug 2017 17:06:54 +0000The faithful are playing with reference to a different set of rules when arguing for the merits of religion based on faith alone. Faith, by definition, requires no tangible evidence. But claims from the faithful about human history can be countered by the inquisitive atheist. We all have access to a plethora of terrestrial historical accounts which were not gleaned from divine revelation. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan explores the classic argument of the faithful against atheism when discussing human history. This argument - especially prevalent whenever the issue of violence or hatred is discussed - is that Adolf Hitler was an atheist. The inferred claim is that this godlessness demonstrates the danger of turning away from the moral teachings of the church. Another aspect of the argument which is often thrown in as an addendum is a charge that the Third Reich was a secular movement. How much merit is there in these claims? Did Hitler reject God, and if he did, did this make a difference to human history? And how secular was Hitler’s Nazi regime? Aidan delves into the argument to provide grounded insight and analysis. Indeed, as with the claims of the holy books, the introduction of earthly evidence is crucial when one desires to separate fact from fiction.Selected bibliography:J. Cornwell, Hitler’s Pope:The Secret History of Pius XIIA. Hitler (ed. N. Baynes),The Speeches of Adolf HitlerA. Hitler,Mein KampfC. Hitchens,God Is Not GreatG. Orwell,Literature and Totalitarianism]]>The faithful are playing with reference to a different set of rules when arguing for the merits of religion based on faith alone. Faith, by definition, requires no tangible evidence. But claims from the faithful about human history can be countered by the inquisitive atheist. We all have access to a plethora of terrestrial historical accounts which were not gleaned from divine revelation. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan explores the classic argument of the faithful against atheism when discussing human history. This argument - especially prevalent whenever the issue of violence or hatred is discussed - is that Adolf Hitler was an atheist. The inferred claim is that this godlessness demonstrates the danger of turning away from the moral teachings of the church. Another aspect of the argument which is often thrown in as an addendum is a charge that the Third Reich was a secular movement. How much merit is there in these claims? Did Hitler reject God, and if he did, did this make a difference to human history? And how secular was Hitler’s Nazi regime? Aidan delves into the argument to provide grounded insight and analysis. Indeed, as with the claims of the holy books, the introduction of earthly evidence is crucial when one desires to separate fact from fiction.Selected bibliography:J. Cornwell, Hitler’s Pope: The Secret History of Pius XIIA. Hitler (ed. N. Baynes), The Speeches of Adolf HitlerA. Hitler, Mein KampfC. Hitchens, God Is Not GreatG. Orwell, Literature and Totalitarianism]]>20:55cleanThe faithful are playing with reference to a different set of rules when arguing for the merits of religion based on faith alone. Faith, by definition, requires no tangible evidence. But claims from the faithful about human history can be countered by the inquisitive atheist. We all have access to a plethora of terrestrial historical accounts which were not gleaned from divine revelation.49fullAidan Coughlan#48 - Project Extra: Atlantis ReimaginedProject Extra: Atlantis ReimaginedFri, 18 Aug 2017 20:04:07 +0000On this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Christopher Hale, freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, explains the curious 19th century reimagining of the story of Atlantis. This revival of the idea of a lost advanced civilization owed less to an interest in folklore or the works of Plato, but was instead inspired by something altogether less innocent, as Christopher explains. For Aidan’s full-length episode with Christopher, check out episode 46, ‘The Emergency: Empire, Massacre, Duterte'. For more information on Christopher and to check out his work, visithttp://www.christopherhalemedia.org/. You can find Christopher on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/chalemedia.]]>On this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Christopher Hale, freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, explains the curious 19th century reimagining of the story of Atlantis. This revival of the idea of a lost advanced civilization owed less to an interest in folklore or the works of Plato, but was instead inspired by something altogether less innocent, as Christopher explains. For Aidan’s full-length episode with Christopher, check out episode 46, ‘The Emergency: Empire, Massacre, Duterte'. For more information on Christopher and to check out his work, visit http://www.christopherhalemedia.org/. You can find Christopher on Twitter at https://twitter.com/chalemedia.]]>12:56cleanOn this bonus edition of the Aidan Project, Christopher Hale, freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, explains the curious 19th century reimagining of the story of Atlantis. This revival of the idea of a lost advanced civilization owed less to an interest in folklore or the works of Plato, but was instead inspired by something altogether less innocent.48bonus#47 - Notes on North KoreaNotes on North KoreaSat, 12 Aug 2017 19:04:56 +0000In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is back with everything you need to know about the ominous stand-off between the United States and North Korea. This potentially-catastrophic conflict focuses around Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities, such as they are. In these 'Notes on North Korea', Aidan explains how this crisis has evolved, and addresses the potential outcomes of this long-running narrative, including a look at the unpredictable ‘Trump factor’.]]>In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is back with everything you need to know about the ominous stand-off between the United States and North Korea. This potentially-catastrophic conflict focuses around Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities, such as they are. In these 'Notes on North Korea', Aidan explains how this crisis has evolved, and addresses the potential outcomes of this long-running narrative, including a look at the unpredictable ‘Trump factor’.]]>25:01cleanIn this edition of the podcast, Aidan is back with everything you need to know about the ominous stand-off between the United Nations and North Korea. This potentially-catastrophic conflict focuses around Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities, such as they are. In these 'Notes on North Korea', Aidan explains how this crisis has evolved, and addresses the potential outcomes of this long-running narrative, including a look at the unpredictable ‘Trump factor’.47fullAidan Coughlan #46 - The Emergency: Empire, Massacre, DuterteThe Emergency: Empire, Massacre, DuterteTue, 08 Aug 2017 11:54:25 +0000The British Empire, and other European powers, began to leave South East Asia in the aftermath of World War 2. The region has changed dramatically since this era; a period when British troops were fighting communists in Malaya, several years before the US attempted its own communist supression in Vietnam. It was during the British Empire’s response to Chin Peng’s insurgency that the colonial rulers committed an atrocity that could be called ‘Britain’s My Lai’. On this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is talking to Christopher Hale, a distinguished freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, to discuss British rule in Malaya, post-colonial South East Asia, press constraints in Malaysia and Singapore, Donald Trump’s tenuous grasp of history, and the incomparable Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, a man who has claimed to have personally killed criminals, among other controversies. Christopher has numerous documentary credits to his name, for the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, and National Geographic, amongst other broadcasters. His programs include ‘Why Reading Matters’ for BBC4, ‘The Year the Earth Went Wild’ for Channel 4, ‘Naked Science: Universe’ for National Geographic, ‘Oasis of the Golden Mummies’ for Discovery, ‘Accidents in Space’ for BBC/Travel Channel, and many more. Christopher’s 2013 book, ‘Massacre in Malaya: Exposing Britain’s My Lai’, covers the Malayan Emergency of 1948–1960, which was the longest war waged by British and Commonwealth forces in the twentieth century. Christopher has also written a number of books on wartime Nazi Germany, including ‘Hitler's Foreign Executioners: Europe's Dirty Secret’. For more information on Christopher and to check out his voluminous work, visithttp://www.christopherhalemedia.org/. You can find Christopher on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/chalemedia.]]>The British Empire, and other European powers, began to leave South East Asia in the aftermath of World War 2. The region has changed dramatically since this era; a period when British troops were fighting communists in Malaya, several years before the US attempted its own communist supression in Vietnam. It was during the British Empire’s response to Chin Peng’s insurgency that the colonial rulers committed an atrocity that could be called ‘Britain’s My Lai’. On this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is talking to Christopher Hale, a distinguished freelance executive producer, producer/director and writer, to discuss British rule in Malaya, post-colonial South East Asia, press constraints in Malaysia and Singapore, Donald Trump’s tenuous grasp of history, and the incomparable Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, a man who has claimed to have personally killed criminals, among other controversies. Christopher has numerous documentary credits to his name, for the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, and National Geographic, amongst other broadcasters. His programs include ‘Why Reading Matters’ for BBC4, ‘The Year the Earth Went Wild’ for Channel 4, ‘Naked Science: Universe’ for National Geographic, ‘Oasis of the Golden Mummies’ for Discovery, ‘Accidents in Space’ for BBC/Travel Channel, and many more. Christopher’s 2013 book, ‘Massacre in Malaya: Exposing Britain’s My Lai’, covers the Malayan Emergency of 1948–1960, which was the longest war waged by British and Commonwealth forces in the twentieth century. Christopher has also written a number of books on wartime Nazi Germany, including ‘Hitler's Foreign Executioners: Europe's Dirty Secret’. For more information on Christopher and to check out his voluminous work, visit http://www.christopherhalemedia.org/. You can find Christopher on Twitter at https://twitter.com/chalemedia.]]>01:14:52cleanThe British Empire, and other European powers, began to leave South East Asia in the aftermath of World War 2. The region has changed dramatically since this era; a period when British troops were fighting communists in Malaya, several years before the US attempted its own communist supression in Vietnam. It was during the British Empire’s response to Chin Peng’s insurgency that the colonial rulers committed an atrocity that could be called ‘Britain’s My Lai’.46fullAidan Coughlan#45 - De-Platformed: Challenging Bad IdeasDe-Platformed: Challenging Bad IdeasSat, 05 Aug 2017 10:16:19 +0000On July 21, the noted evolutionary biologist and author, Richard Dawkins, was de-platformed by a ‘progressive’ radio station in California because of comments he had previously made about Islam. This decision - powered by the moral confusion that maliciously designates fair criticism of religion as hate speech - is yet another example of the left’s deeply dishonest, nonsensical, virtue-signalling and outlandish apologising whenever Islam is discussed. In this episode, Aidan is joined by Sadia Hameed, spokesperson for the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, for an honest conversation on the challenging issues of appraising Islam, leaving the faith, the media’s obsession with ‘Islamophobia’, the widespread cultural relativism and obscurantism espoused on the left, the conflation of peaceful Muslims and archaic Islamists by the right, and much more, including the de-platforming of Dawkins. This is an important conversation regarding the interactions of the ideas of Islam and the world. For more information on the Council, visit their web site at https://www.ex-muslim.org.uk/.]]>On July 21, the noted evolutionary biologist and author, Richard Dawkins, was de-platformed by a ‘progressive’ radio station in California because of comments he had previously made about Islam. This decision - powered by the moral confusion that maliciously designates fair criticism of religion as hate speech - is yet another example of the left’s deeply dishonest, nonsensical, virtue-signalling and outlandish apologising whenever Islam is discussed. In this episode, Aidan is joined by Sadia Hameed, spokesperson for the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, for an honest conversation on the challenging issues of appraising Islam, leaving the faith, the media’s obsession with ‘Islamophobia’, the widespread cultural relativism and obscurantism espoused on the left, the conflation of peaceful Muslims and archaic Islamists by the right, and much more, including the de-platforming of Dawkins. This is an important conversation regarding the interactions of the ideas of Islam and the world. For more information on the Council, visit their web site at https://www.ex-muslim.org.uk/.]]>01:02:46cleanOn July 21, the noted evolutionary biologist and author, Richard Dawkins, was de-platformed by a ‘progressive’ radio station in California because of comments he had previously made about Islam. This decision - powered by the moral confusion that maliciously designates fair criticism of religion as hate speech - is yet another example of the left’s deeply dishonest, nonsensical, virtue-signalling and outlandish apologising whenever Islam is discussed.45fullAidan Coughlan#44 - The New Cold WarThe New Cold WarTue, 01 Aug 2017 16:05:18 +0000Russia has signalled its intent to demand a reduction in the number of US diplomats in the country, following US Congress approving fresh sanctions against Moscow over interference in the 2016 US election. What is driving this new Cold War? Dan Kovalik is a human rights, labour rights lawyer and peace activist. Dan’s new book is called ‘The Plot to Scapegoat Russia: How the CIA and the Deep State Have Conspired to Vilify Russia’. Dan argues that the real threat to US democracy does not emanate from the Kremlin, but from within Washington’s own security services and vested interests. Dan opines that even if Russia did interfere in the US election, for the US to cry foul is entirely hypocritical, in view of numerous attempts to topple leaders and install preferential candidates in other nation states, including in, of course, Russia. Aidan and Dan discuss the Clintons, Vladimir Putin, the mainstream media, how Democrats should respond to Donald Trump if they seek to gain a foothold as an effective opposition, US exceptionalism, and much more. The show also covers a selection of current events, including the Pyongyang issue: Dan gives his take on why North Korea has - at some level - a legitimate grievance with the United States. Dan’s book at Amazon UK:http://tinyurl.com/ya8rcnuh. Dan’s Twitter address:www.twitter.com/danielmkovalik.]]>Russia has signalled its intent to demand a reduction in the number of US diplomats in the country, following US Congress approving fresh sanctions against Moscow over interference in the 2016 US election. What is driving this new Cold War? Dan Kovalik is a human rights, labour rights lawyer and peace activist. Dan’s new book is called ‘The Plot to Scapegoat Russia: How the CIA and the Deep State Have Conspired to Vilify Russia’. Dan argues that the real threat to US democracy does not emanate from the Kremlin, but from within Washington’s own security services and vested interests. Dan opines that even if Russia did interfere in the US election, for the US to cry foul is entirely hypocritical, in view of numerous attempts to topple leaders and install preferential candidates in other nation states, including in, of course, Russia. Aidan and Dan discuss the Clintons, Vladimir Putin, the mainstream media, how Democrats should respond to Donald Trump if they seek to gain a foothold as an effective opposition, US exceptionalism, and much more. The show also covers a selection of current events, including the Pyongyang issue: Dan gives his take on why North Korea has - at some level - a legitimate grievance with the United States. Dan’s book at Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/ya8rcnuh. Dan’s Twitter address: www.twitter.com/danielmkovalik.]]>01:14:09cleanRussia has signalled its intent to demand a reduction in the number of US diplomats in the country, following US Congress approving fresh sanctions against Moscow over interference in the 2016 US election. What is driving this new Cold War? Dan Kovalik is a human rights, labour rights lawyer and peace activist. Dan’s new book is called ‘The Plot to Scapegoat Russia: How the CIA and the Deep State Have Conspired to Vilify Russia’.44fullAidan Coughlan#43 - Project Extra: Genetic RevolutionProject Extra: Genetic RevolutionThu, 27 Jul 2017 15:03:26 +0000In this edition of Project Extra, Ran Levi explains the hugely exciting developments in gene editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), which has the potential to transform human biology as we know it. CRISPR (pronounced "crisper") is a biological gene editing system for reconfiguring DNA. The concept was discovered in 2012 by molecular biologist Professor Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, who told the BBC last year, “I never want to over-promise but I feel diseases will be cured and we want to enable clinicians and scientists to bring that to a reality." Aidan has previously recorded two full-length podcast episodes with Ran, most recently, episode 40 – ‘Downloading a President’, and episode 11 – ‘Malicious Assured Destruction: Cold War to Cyber War’. Ran’s new podcast, ‘Malicious Life’, has topped the iTunes charts in Israel and is available at www.malicious.life. You can tweet Aidan with your thoughts @theaidanproject.]]>In this edition of Project Extra, Ran Levi explains the hugely exciting developments in gene editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), which has the potential to transform human biology as we know it. CRISPR (pronounced "crisper") is a biological gene editing system for reconfiguring DNA. The concept was discovered in 2012 by molecular biologist Professor Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, who told the BBC last year, “I never want to over-promise but I feel diseases will be cured and we want to enable clinicians and scientists to bring that to a reality." Aidan has previously recorded two full-length podcast episodes with Ran, most recently, episode 40 – ‘Downloading a President’, and episode 11 – ‘Malicious Assured Destruction: Cold War to Cyber War’. Ran’s new podcast, ‘Malicious Life’, has topped the iTunes charts in Israel and is available at www.malicious.life. You can tweet Aidan with your thoughts @theaidanproject.]]>11:24cleanIn this edition of Project Extra, Ran Levi explains the hugely exciting developments in gene editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), which has the potential to transform human biology as we know it. CRISPR (pronounced "crisper") is a biological gene editing system for reconfiguring DNA.43bonusAidan Coughlan#42 - Notes on DunkirkSat, 22 Jul 2017 13:03:32 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan looks at the glorious myths and gloomy realities of the real Dunkirk, and examines how accurately Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster addresses the bittersweet events of Operation Dynamo. Is the movie mere flag-waving or a true account of the disastrous chaos on the beaches of the French town of Dunkerque in 1940? Did the French receive fair treatment in the film? How does the script handle the German’s costly halt, which allowed so many men to make it off the beaches? If you have not yet seen the film, Aidan will signpost when to press pause to avoid the film review section of this episode. Current events, history and culture merge in this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast - enjoy the episode! Referenced in this podcast is an article Aidan wrote in December 2016 - https://aidancoughlan.org/2016/12/30/dunkirk-from-spike-milligan-to-christopher-nolan/. You can Tweet Aidan @theaidanproject.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan looks at the glorious myths and gloomy realities of the real Dunkirk, and examines how accurately Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster addresses the bittersweet events of Operation Dynamo. Is the movie mere flag-waving or a true account of the disastrous chaos on the beaches of the French town of Dunkerque in 1940? Did the French receive fair treatment in the film? How does the script handle the German’s costly halt, which allowed so many men to make it off the beaches? If you have not yet seen the film, Aidan will signpost when to press pause to avoid the film review section of this episode. Current events, history and culture merge in this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast - enjoy the episode! Referenced in this podcast is an article Aidan wrote in December 2016 - https://aidancoughlan.org/2016/12/30/dunkirk-from-spike-milligan-to-christopher-nolan/. You can Tweet Aidan @theaidanproject.]]>14:01clean#41 - Westminster BriefingTue, 18 Jul 2017 16:26:27 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by John Ashmore, chief reporter for PoliticsHome, to discuss the latest developments in British politics. Is Theresa May on borrowed time? How relevant is Tony Blair? Plus a look at Grenfell, Brexit, terrorism, Donald Trump potentially visiting the UK, and much more. PoliticsHome describes itself as the most viewed and valued specialist online news source in Parliament. You can find the web site at www.politicshome.com. You can find John on Twitter @smashmorePH..]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by John Ashmore, chief reporter for PoliticsHome, to discuss the latest developments in British politics. Is Theresa May on borrowed time? How relevant is Tony Blair? Plus a look at Grenfell, Brexit, terrorism, Donald Trump potentially visiting the UK, and much more. PoliticsHome describes itself as the most viewed and valued specialist online news source in Parliament. You can find the web site at www.politicshome.com. You can find John on Twitter @smashmorePH..]]>22:36clean#40 - Downloading a PresidentSun, 16 Jul 2017 09:03:20 +0000The United States Intelligence Community concluded with high confidence that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Israel by Ran Levi, an accomplished technology expert, science author and podcaster. In this episode, Aidan and Ran discuss the Russian hacking and/or cyber-meddling, and whether this type of outside interference can be stopped or whether it will also affect the 2020 U.S. presidential election. What exactly did the Russians do? And how did they do it? This episode also takes a look at the recent ransomware attacks which counted the British National Health Service amongst its victims, Donald Trump’s use of Twitter, the echo chamber mentality of social media, a possible showdown between NATO and North Korea, and much more. Born in Israel in 1975, Ran studied electrical engineering, and has worked as an electronics engineer and programmer for several high tech companies in Israel. Ran has written three books in Hebrew, ‘Perpetuum Mobile’, ‘The Little University of Science’, and ‘Battle of Minds’. You can find Ran on Twitter @ranlevi or visit his web site atwww.ranlevi.com. Ran’s new podcast, ‘Malicious Life’, has topped the iTunes charts in Israel and is available atwww.malicious.life.]]>The United States Intelligence Community concluded with high confidence that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Israel by Ran Levi, an accomplished technology expert, science author and podcaster. In this episode, Aidan and Ran discuss the Russian hacking and/or cyber-meddling, and whether this type of outside interference can be stopped or whether it will also affect the 2020 U.S. presidential election. What exactly did the Russians do? And how did they do it? This episode also takes a look at the recent ransomware attacks which counted the British National Health Service amongst its victims, Donald Trump’s use of Twitter, the echo chamber mentality of social media, a possible showdown between NATO and North Korea, and much more. Born in Israel in 1975, Ran studied electrical engineering, and has worked as an electronics engineer and programmer for several high tech companies in Israel. Ran has written three books in Hebrew, ‘Perpetuum Mobile’, ‘The Little University of Science’, and ‘Battle of Minds’. You can find Ran on Twitter @ranlevi or visit his web site at www.ranlevi.com. Ran’s new podcast, ‘Malicious Life’, has topped the iTunes charts in Israel and is available at www.malicious.life.]]>01:17:31clean#39 - Animal Liberation: Ethics and SpeciesismWed, 12 Jul 2017 08:33:46 +0000The name of this podcast was inspired by the influential 1975 book,Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for Our Treatment of Animals, by Peter Singer, an Australian philosopher. Singer argued that the interests of animals should be considered because of their ability to experience tangible suffering.Are we, as a society, guilty of speciesism? What is the reality of factory farming in the United Kingdom? How humane is the dairy industry? How does the UK compare to the rest of the world with respect to animal welfare? The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) state that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment or abuse in any other way. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is joined by Sonul Badiani-Hamment, Campaigns Officer for PETA UK, to discuss the reality of factory farming and the dairy industry in Britain. Aidan explores the case for and against veganism in this thought-provoking podcast. For more information on PETA UK, visit http://www.peta.org.uk/. You can support the free speech and honest debate mission of this podcast by subscribing or leaving a rating. Please enjoy this podcast and feel free to share it across the web.]]>The name of this podcast was inspired by the influential 1975 book, Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for Our Treatment of Animals, by Peter Singer, an Australian philosopher. Singer argued that the interests of animals should be considered because of their ability to experience tangible suffering. Are we, as a society, guilty of speciesism? What is the reality of factory farming in the United Kingdom? How humane is the dairy industry? How does the UK compare to the rest of the world with respect to animal welfare? The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) state that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment or abuse in any other way. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan is joined by Sonul Badiani-Hamment, Campaigns Officer for PETA UK, to discuss the reality of factory farming and the dairy industry in Britain. Aidan explores the case for and against veganism in this thought-provoking podcast. For more information on PETA UK, visit http://www.peta.org.uk/. You can support the free speech and honest debate mission of this podcast by subscribing or leaving a rating. Please enjoy this podcast and feel free to share it across the web.]]>37:47clean#38 - Notes on Making America Great AgainTue, 04 Jul 2017 16:22:11 +0000Donald Trump is indeed the pro wrestling president. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan looks at President Trump and the entirely surreal manner of his presidency.We have an emerging problem now of a dangerous new normal. Trump must be the mistake, the anomaly, the Chernobyl. We must push back at Trump’s vile online ranting, but not at the expense of challenging his policies.You can tweet Aidan with your thoughts@theaidanproject.]]>Donald Trump is indeed the pro wrestling president. In this edition of the podcast, Aidan looks at President Trump and the entirely surreal manner of his presidency. We have an emerging problem now of a dangerous new normal. Trump must be the mistake, the anomaly, the Chernobyl. We must push back at Trump’s vile online ranting, but not at the expense of challenging his policies. You can tweet Aidan with your thoughts @theaidanproject.]]>10:58clean#37 - Dogmatic Silence: Abuse in the ChurchSat, 01 Jul 2017 10:59:55 +0000In this edition of the podcast, Aidan talks to David Greenwood, Chairman of Stop Church Child Abuse. The Catholic Church has a history of abuse cover-ups, scandals and unscrupulously moving priests between countries once abuse has taken place. What are the current attitudes emanating out of the Catholic Church in respect of child sex abuse? Furthermore, the Church of England has its own shameful story to tell, or rather, a story that requires activists such as David to tell, for the Church will not seek to do it itself.How much of a landmark moment is this review? In thisPope-Truth world, Aidan and David discuss the dogmatic silence of church leaders and the institutionalized resistance to transparency.If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, you can visithttp://macsas.org.uk/, e-mailhelpline@macsas.org.uk, or call 08088 01 03 40.]]>In this edition of the podcast, Aidan talks to David Greenwood, Chairman of Stop Church Child Abuse. The Catholic Church has a history of abuse cover-ups, scandals and unscrupulously moving priests between countries once abuse has taken place. What are the current attitudes emanating out of the Catholic Church in respect of child sex abuse? Furthermore, the Church of England has its own shameful story to tell, or rather, a story that requires activists such as David to tell, for the Church will not seek to do it itself. How much of a landmark moment is this review? In this Pope-Truth world, Aidan and David discuss the dogmatic silence of church leaders and the institutionalized resistance to transparency. If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, you can visit http://macsas.org.uk/, e-mail helpline@macsas.org.uk, or call 08088 01 03 40.]]>01:03:12clean#36 - Project Extra: A.C. GraylingTue, 20 Jun 2017 15:25:20 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy exclusive, previously unreleased, audio from A.C. Grayling’s Q&A session, following his ‘Fighting for Europe’ speech, held at the University of Suffolk, England, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. In this podcast, Grayling comments on how good a deal the United Kingdom currently has with Brussels, ‘pusillanimous MP’s’, the lack of knowledge within the UK about the European Union, and more.Aidan would like to thank A.C. Grayling (http://acgrayling.com/), the Suffolk EU Alliance (https://www.suffolkeualliance.co.uk/) and the University of Suffolk (https://www.uos.ac.uk/) for allowing this event to be recorded. You can catch the entire A.C. Grayling speech athttps://aidancoughlan.org/2017/06/06/a-c-grayling-brexit-can-be-stopped/or via your favorite podcast app. The episode is called ‘A.C. Grayling: Brexit Can Be Stopped’.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy exclusive, previously unreleased, audio from A.C. Grayling’s Q&A session, following his ‘Fighting for Europe’ speech, held at the University of Suffolk, England, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. In this podcast, Grayling comments on how good a deal the United Kingdom currently has with Brussels, ‘pusillanimous MP’s’, the lack of knowledge within the UK about the European Union, and more. Aidan would like to thank A.C. Grayling (http://acgrayling.com/), the Suffolk EU Alliance (https://www.suffolkeualliance.co.uk/) and the University of Suffolk (https://www.uos.ac.uk/) for allowing this event to be recorded. You can catch the entire A.C. Grayling speech at https://aidancoughlan.org/2017/06/06/a-c-grayling-brexit-can-be-stopped/ or via your favorite podcast app. The episode is called ‘A.C. Grayling: Brexit Can Be Stopped’.]]>11:33clean#35 - Notes on BeliefThu, 15 Jun 2017 14:48:44 +0000Tim Farron has announced his intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Democrats, citing unfair media coverage surrounding his Christian faith. In this podcast, Aidan argues that beliefs matter and that religion does not exempt anyone from reasonable scrutiny.]]>Tim Farron has announced his intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Democrats, citing unfair media coverage surrounding his Christian faith. In this podcast, Aidan argues that beliefs matter and that religion does not exempt anyone from reasonable scrutiny.]]>04:31clean#34 - Notes on Mrs. MayFri, 09 Jun 2017 11:39:09 +0000Strong and stable leadership, indeed. Theresa May can surely not long survive this debacle. The votes have been cast and the results are in. In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan offers his thoughts on the 2017 UK General Election. What does this result mean for the United Kingdom? What happens next? Will Nigel Farage answer the hard-line Brexit distress call and return to frontline politics? Tweet Aidan with your thoughts @theaidanproject.]]>Strong and stable leadership, indeed. Theresa May can surely not long survive this debacle. The votes have been cast and the results are in. In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan offers his thoughts on the 2017 UK General Election. What does this result mean for the United Kingdom? What happens next? Will Nigel Farage answer the hard-line Brexit distress call and return to frontline politics? Tweet Aidan with your thoughts @theaidanproject.]]>09:36clean#33 - A.C. Grayling: Brexit Can Be StoppedTue, 06 Jun 2017 21:36:37 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy an exclusive recording from A.C. Grayling’s impassioned ‘Fighting for Europe’ speech, held at the University of Suffolk, England, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. A.C. Grayling says that Brexit is not a done deal and that it can be stopped, or at the very least, reversed. Grayling also offers his thoughts on the UK General Election, the British press, David Cameron, Theresa May, and much more. Anthony Grayling MA, DPhil (Oxon) FRSL, FRSA is Master of the New College of the Humanities, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. Grayling had previously written that, “When the lies and self-interest and manipulations of the Brexiters have been defeated, the future of the UK will be as in a full partner with its European friends and allies in the EU.” Grayling expands on his case for resistance in this thought-provoking talk.Aidan would like to thank A.C. Grayling (http://acgrayling.com/), the Suffolk EU Alliance (https://www.suffolkeualliance.co.uk/) and the University of Suffolk (https://www.uos.ac.uk/) for allowing this event to be recorded.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy an exclusive recording from A.C. Grayling’s impassioned ‘Fighting for Europe’ speech, held at the University of Suffolk, England, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. A.C. Grayling says that Brexit is not a done deal and that it can be stopped, or at the very least, reversed. Grayling also offers his thoughts on the UK General Election, the British press, David Cameron, Theresa May, and much more. Anthony Grayling MA, DPhil (Oxon) FRSL, FRSA is Master of the New College of the Humanities, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. Grayling had previously written that, “When the lies and self-interest and manipulations of the Brexiters have been defeated, the future of the UK will be as in a full partner with its European friends and allies in the EU.” Grayling expands on his case for resistance in this thought-provoking talk. Aidan would like to thank A.C. Grayling (http://acgrayling.com/), the Suffolk EU Alliance (https://www.suffolkeualliance.co.uk/) and the University of Suffolk (https://www.uos.ac.uk/) for allowing this event to be recorded.]]>01:02:27clean#32 - AMA: UK General ElectionMon, 05 Jun 2017 08:39:56 +0000In the very first Aidan Project AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode,Aidan is joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, to answer your listener questions on the forthcoming 2017 UK General Election.For more information on Joshua, you can find Joshua’s YouTube channel, Disputandum, at http://bit.ly/2spdKaO.Aidan will be back the day after the election with thoughts on the results and what it means for the United Kingdom.From the inbox:Is Jeremy Corbyn an IRA sympathiser?What happens to Corbyn in the event of a Conservative landslide?If there is a hung parliament, what is the process?Are there any possible coalitions that could form an opposition to the Conservatives?What type of result justifies May’s decision to call an election?Why aren’t there more independent MP’s in parliament?Should May have taken on a leader's debate?How damaging are policy gaffes on TV and radio? (Diane Abbott)Is there an issue with anti-Labour bias from the BBC?How damaged has Corbyn been on the issues of anti-semitism within Labour, and regarding Trident?Where has Nigel Farage vanished to?What do you make of the lack of progressive debate within the left on immigration?Will “covfefe” play a part in this election?Who do you think will win the election?You can always send questions via www.AidanCoughlan.org or you can tweet @theaidanproject]]>In the very first Aidan Project AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode, Aidan is joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, to answer your listener questions on the forthcoming 2017 UK General Election. For more information on Joshua, you can find Joshua’s YouTube channel, Disputandum, at http://bit.ly/2spdKaO. Aidan will be back the day after the election with thoughts on the results and what it means for the United Kingdom. From the inbox:Is Jeremy Corbyn an IRA sympathiser?What happens to Corbyn in the event of a Conservative landslide?If there is a hung parliament, what is the process?Are there any possible coalitions that could form an opposition to the Conservatives?What type of result justifies May’s decision to call an election?Why aren’t there more independent MP’s in parliament?Should May have taken on a leader's debate?How damaging are policy gaffes on TV and radio? (Diane Abbott)Is there an issue with anti-Labour bias from the BBC? How damaged has Corbyn been on the issues of anti-semitism within Labour, and regarding Trident?Where has Nigel Farage vanished to?What do you make of the lack of progressive debate within the left on immigration?Will “covfefe” play a part in this election?Who do you think will win the election?You can always send questions via www.AidanCoughlan.org or you can tweet @theaidanproject]]>56:27clean#31 - Aide-Memoire: The General ElectionTue, 30 May 2017 20:18:19 +0000Theresa May called an early election in an attempt to shore up support for her government’s position on Britain’s exit from the European Union. But where do the parties stand on this issue? Or on social issues? Voter apathy is alarming, but this is often the result not simply of an absence of interest in politics, but because of the confusion inherent in the abundance of mass political coverage across the various media platforms. The news outlets produce endless political news content, but how does one keep track of which party stands for which policy? Indeed, much of the coverage tends to be on the embarrassing gaffes and the way in which a candidate eats their chips or bacon sandwich, rather than the important policies themselves. Ahead of the June 8 United Kingdom General Election, this episode features a simple, non-partisan, rundown of the manifestos, along with an explanation of the election terms you may not understand but were simply too afraid to ask. Aidan also looks at the latest polling numbers and summarises the results of the 2015 election. Look out soon for a further pre-election episode, when Aidan will be joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, to answer your questions and to examine the latest developments within the election narrative.Aidan will also be back on the day after the election, June 9, with thoughts on the results and what it means for the United Kingdom. Aidan is on Twitter (www.twitter.com/theaidanproject), Facebook (www.facebook.com/theaidanprojectblog), or visit his web site atwww.aidancoughlan.org. If you found this election guide useful, please share it. Knowledge is power, after all.]]>Theresa May called an early election in an attempt to shore up support for her government’s position on Britain’s exit from the European Union. But where do the parties stand on this issue? Or on social issues? Voter apathy is alarming, but this is often the result not simply of an absence of interest in politics, but because of the confusion inherent in the abundance of mass political coverage across the various media platforms. The news outlets produce endless political news content, but how does one keep track of which party stands for which policy? Indeed, much of the coverage tends to be on the embarrassing gaffes and the way in which a candidate eats their chips or bacon sandwich, rather than the important policies themselves. Ahead of the June 8 United Kingdom General Election, this episode features a simple, non-partisan, rundown of the manifestos, along with an explanation of the election terms you may not understand but were simply too afraid to ask. Aidan also looks at the latest polling numbers and summarises the results of the 2015 election. Look out soon for a further pre-election episode, when Aidan will be joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, to answer your questions and to examine the latest developments within the election narrative. Aidan will also be back on the day after the election, June 9, with thoughts on the results and what it means for the United Kingdom. Aidan is on Twitter (www.twitter.com/theaidanproject), Facebook (www.facebook.com/theaidanprojectblog), or visit his web site at www.aidancoughlan.org. If you found this election guide useful, please share it. Knowledge is power, after all.]]>15:42clean#30 - Notes on ManchesterWed, 24 May 2017 16:32:35 +0000Aidan talks about the Manchester bombing, which took place at Manchester Arena, England, on 22 May 2017. Aidan feels we need an honest debate on the issues which led to this latest outrage, and that liberals need to attend to a problem of their own: moral confusion. What do you think about the modern, virtue-signalling, ‘liberal’ reaction to any criticism of Islam? Aidan is on Twitter @theaidanproject

]]>Aidan talks about the Manchester bombing, which took place at Manchester Arena, England, on 22 May 2017. Aidan feels we need an honest debate on the issues which led to this latest outrage, and that liberals need to attend to a problem of their own: moral confusion. What do you think about the modern, virtue-signalling, ‘liberal’ reaction to any criticism of Islam? Aidan is on Twitter @theaidanproject

]]>22:11clean#29 - Project Extra: Under SiegeSat, 20 May 2017 10:20:13 +0000In this bonus edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from Aidan’s conversation with Jared Miracle from the episode, ‘The Great Cat Massacre’. In this ‘Project Extra’ episode, Jared explains the curious case of one Steven Seagal, the famedactor, producer, screenwriter, director, martial artist and musician. Seagal is not quite the famous action movie star he once was, but he has nevertheless found his way into the news on a regular basis since his ‘Under Siege’ heyday, albeit for frankly surreal reasons. This includes a report fromAugust 2016, whenBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Seagal to Minsk with a carrot and two watermelons.And, wouldn't you know it, Seagal has made no secret of his support for Donald Trump, ironically a man whose entire administration seems very much ‘Under Siege’. Jared Miracle holds a doctorate in anthropology from Texas A&M University, where his research focused on transnationalism and folklore between East Asia and the West, especially where violence and the fighting arts are concerned.You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>In this bonus edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from Aidan’s conversation with Jared Miracle from the episode, ‘The Great Cat Massacre’. In this ‘Project Extra’ episode, Jared explains the curious case of one Steven Seagal, the famed actor, producer, screenwriter, director, martial artist and musician. Seagal is not quite the famous action movie star he once was, but he has nevertheless found his way into the news on a regular basis since his ‘Under Siege’ heyday, albeit for frankly surreal reasons. This includes a report from August 2016, when Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Seagal to Minsk with a carrot and two watermelons. And, wouldn't you know it, Seagal has made no secret of his support for Donald Trump, ironically a man whose entire administration seems very much ‘Under Siege’. Jared Miracle holds a doctorate in anthropology from Texas A&M University, where his research focused on transnationalism and folklore between East Asia and the West, especially where violence and the fighting arts are concerned. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>14:55clean#28 - Notes on America's Great WarThu, 04 May 2017 09:18:02 +0000In this first spoken essay edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan examines why, and with what effects, the United States opted to enter World War One in 1917. The essay also looks at the idealist US President, Woodrow Wilson, who declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, following repeated provocations. This essay takes a deliberately contentious look at the US’s role in the war, which adds a few ‘what-ifs’ into the mix for your consideration. Could, or should, the Bolshevik take-over have been snuffed out before it began? What about the conditions for Hitler’s rise to power? The roots exist within World War One and its aftermath. For more Project podcasts on the US involvement in World War One, take a look at the ‘America’s Great War’ two-part series with Dr. Paul Dean. Part one covers the period of US non-belligerence, up until the Zimmermann Telegram. Part two looks at ‘America’s Forgotten War’ from Wilson’s declaration of war, up until the Treaty of Versailles, for which this essay serves as a useful companion piece. You can find a full archive of podcasts at iTunes, YouTube andwww.AidanCoughlan.org. Enjoy the essay.]]>In this first spoken essay edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan examines why, and with what effects, the United States opted to enter World War One in 1917. The essay also looks at the idealist US President, Woodrow Wilson, who declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, following repeated provocations. This essay takes a deliberately contentious look at the US’s role in the war, which adds a few ‘what-ifs’ into the mix for your consideration. Could, or should, the Bolshevik take-over have been snuffed out before it began? What about the conditions for Hitler’s rise to power? The roots exist within World War One and its aftermath. For more Project podcasts on the US involvement in World War One, take a look at the ‘America’s Great War’ two-part series with Dr. Paul Dean. Part one covers the period of US non-belligerence, up until the Zimmermann Telegram. Part two looks at ‘America’s Forgotten War’ from Wilson’s declaration of war, up until the Treaty of Versailles, for which this essay serves as a useful companion piece. You can find a full archive of podcasts at iTunes, YouTube and www.AidanCoughlan.org. Enjoy the essay.]]>14:42cleanfull#27 - Project Extra: WhitewashingTue, 25 Apr 2017 13:12:31 +0000In this bonus edition of the podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from Aidan’s conversation with Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University, from the episode, ‘The Great Cat Massacre’. In this ‘Project Extra’ episode, Jared explains the concept of Whitewashing, with particular reference to the current debate over casting decisions in Hollywood movies and on television. Is this a question of racism? And where does the phrase ‘whitewashing’ originate from?You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>In this bonus edition of the podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from Aidan’s conversation with Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University, from the episode, ‘The Great Cat Massacre’. In this ‘Project Extra’ episode, Jared explains the concept of Whitewashing, with particular reference to the current debate over casting decisions in Hollywood movies and on television. Is this a question of racism? And where does the phrase ‘whitewashing’ originate from? You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>09:22clean#26 - The Great Cat MassacreThu, 20 Apr 2017 11:57:34 +0000On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined once more by Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University. In this episode, Aidan and Jared discuss the infamous cat killings from The Great Cat Massacre, Robert Darnton's noted scholarly work on the cultural history of France. Why did early modern Europeans find cats to be completely deserving of such harsh treatment? Along with this incredible story and the wider context surrounding it, Aidan and Jared also discuss the mythical Mexican chupacabra, religion, Artificial Intelligence, and much more. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined once more by Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University. In this episode, Aidan and Jared discuss the infamous cat killings from The Great Cat Massacre, Robert Darnton's noted scholarly work on the cultural history of France. Why did early modern Europeans find cats to be completely deserving of such harsh treatment? Along with this incredible story and the wider context surrounding it, Aidan and Jared also discuss the mythical Mexican chupacabra, religion, Artificial Intelligence, and much more. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>58:15clean#25 - Project Extra: ExceptionalFri, 14 Apr 2017 16:21:17 +0000This bonus episode features unreleased audio from the podcast, ‘America’s Great War: Part Two’, with Dr. Paul Dean. In this edition of ‘Project: Extra’, Aidan and Paul briefly discuss the idea of US exceptionalism, the War of 1812 between the US and Great Britain, the importance of remembering those who served in various conflicts, and more. Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard’s Journey in America’s Forgotten War’. For more information on Dr. Dean, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>This bonus episode features unreleased audio from the podcast, ‘America’s Great War: Part Two’, with Dr. Paul Dean. In this edition of ‘Project: Extra’, Aidan and Paul briefly discuss the idea of US exceptionalism, the War of 1812 between the US and Great Britain, the importance of remembering those who served in various conflicts, and more. Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard’s Journey in America’s Forgotten War’. For more information on Dr. Dean, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>09:03clean#24 - The Irish Famine: Tragedy and PropagandaTue, 11 Apr 2017 15:26:00 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Professor Liam Kennedy, Emeritus Professor of History at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a member of the Royal Irish Academy for Social Sciences. The Great Famine was the most traumatic event of modern Irish history. Professor Kennedy explains the famine and seeks to provide context to the argument, propagated by some, including a number of Irish Americans, that the Great Famine is comparable to the Holocaust that occurred in Eastern Europe. Professor Kennedy also provides some thoughts on the death of the Irish republican and Sinn Féin politician, Martin McGuinness. Professor Kennedy’s most recent book is ‘Unhappy the Land: The Most Oppressed People Ever, the Irish?’, which is available at all good bookstores and at Amazon.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Professor Liam Kennedy, Emeritus Professor of History at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a member of the Royal Irish Academy for Social Sciences. The Great Famine was the most traumatic event of modern Irish history. Professor Kennedy explains the famine and seeks to provide context to the argument, propagated by some, including a number of Irish Americans, that the Great Famine is comparable to the Holocaust that occurred in Eastern Europe. Professor Kennedy also provides some thoughts on the death of the Irish republican and Sinn Féin politician, Martin McGuinness. Professor Kennedy’s most recent book is ‘Unhappy the Land: The Most Oppressed People Ever, the Irish?’, which is available at all good bookstores and at Amazon.]]>32:42clean#23 - America’s Great War (Part Two): CourageThu, 06 Apr 2017 08:05:09 +0000One hundred years ago to the day of this episode’s release, on 6 April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the US was at war with Germany. This is part two of a two-part series focusing on the role of the United States of America in the Great War of 1914-1918. In part one, Dr. Paul Dean explained the underlying tensions that led to war, the ambitions of the Central Powers and The Entente, and the tragically misplaced belief that it would all be over quickly. Part one concluded on the eve of the momentous Declaration of War on Germany. Part two surveys the path of the war following the US’s official military intervention until the 11 November 1918 Armistice, but also beyond in wider political terms. What were Wilson’s war aims? How did the US military perform? What overall impact did the US have? And what is the legacy of ‘America’s Forgotten War’? All judgements on the merits of the war aside, the events of 1914-1918 must never be forgotten. It appears there is much work to do to raise the Great War’s profile in the US. This is the Aidan Project’s small contribution towards reinvigorating this valuable historical memory. The series’ special guest, Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard's Journey in America's Forgotten War’. For more information on Dr. Dean, please visit his web site atwww.paultdean.com.]]>One hundred years ago to the day of this episode’s release, on 6 April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the US was at war with Germany. This is part two of a two-part series focusing on the role of the United States of America in the Great War of 1914-1918. In part one, Dr. Paul Dean explained the underlying tensions that led to war, the ambitions of the Central Powers and The Entente, and the tragically misplaced belief that it would all be over quickly. Part one concluded on the eve of the momentous Declaration of War on Germany. Part two surveys the path of the war following the US’s official military intervention until the 11 November 1918 Armistice, but also beyond in wider political terms. What were Wilson’s war aims? How did the US military perform? What overall impact did the US have? And what is the legacy of ‘America’s Forgotten War’? All judgements on the merits of the war aside, the events of 1914-1918 must never be forgotten. It appears there is much work to do to raise the Great War’s profile in the US. This is the Aidan Project’s small contribution towards reinvigorating this valuable historical memory. The series’ special guest, Dr. Dean, is a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard's Journey in America's Forgotten War’. For more information on Dr. Dean, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>01:00:15clean#22 - Project Extra: Money and DeathSun, 02 Apr 2017 09:46:11 +0000IG Farben was a ruthless former German chemical and pharmaceutical conglomerate which assisted the Third Reich during the Second World War. IG Farben’s key personnel became rich, whilst its slave labourers were worked to death. In this bonus edition of the podcast, I am joined by acclaimed authors, Gerald and Trisha Posner, to discuss this ultimate form of corporate greed. This episode features unreleased audio from the full episode, ‘The Sleep of Reason: The Third Reich and The Vatican’. You can find Trisha online at www.trishaposner.com, and Gerald at www.posner.com.]]>IG Farben was a ruthless former German chemical and pharmaceutical conglomerate which assisted the Third Reich during the Second World War. IG Farben’s key personnel became rich, whilst its slave labourers were worked to death. In this bonus edition of the podcast, I am joined by acclaimed authors, Gerald and Trisha Posner, to discuss this ultimate form of corporate greed. This episode features unreleased audio from the full episode, ‘The Sleep of Reason: The Third Reich and The Vatican’. You can find Trisha online at www.trishaposner.com, and Gerald at www.posner.com.]]>07:07clean#21 - Project Extra: Imposing The DivideWed, 29 Mar 2017 11:20:09 +0000This is a bonus podcast from Aidan Coughlan’s conversation with Sami Ramadani from the episode, ‘The Tragedy of Iraq’. Sami grew up in Baghdad, departing as a political exile during Saddam Hussein’s reign. In previously unreleased audio, Sami explains that,contrary to what is widely believed, the sectarian fighting in Iraq is something of a new phenomena.]]>This is a bonus podcast from Aidan Coughlan’s conversation with Sami Ramadani from the episode, ‘The Tragedy of Iraq’. Sami grew up in Baghdad, departing as a political exile during Saddam Hussein’s reign. In previously unreleased audio, Sami explains that, contrary to what is widely believed, the sectarian fighting in Iraq is something of a new phenomena.]]>11:37cleaniraq#20 - Sleep of Reason: Third Reich and The VaticanFri, 24 Mar 2017 19:31:49 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Florida by acclaimed authors, husband-and-wife, Gerald and Trisha Posner. The Posners have an impeccable body of work behind them; this episode draws upon their work on the Holocaust, including the role of the Vatican in working with the Third Reich for financial gain. Trisha’s most recent book is The Pharmacist of Auschwitz, which tells the little known story of Victor Capesius, who worked alongside Josef Mengele at the infamous death camp as its chief pharmacist.The San Francisco Book Reviewwrote that "words cannot even properly describe the devastation that unfolds within these pages." Gerald’s most recent book, God’s Bankers, is the result of nine years of extensive research. The book was described byThe New York Timesas "an exhaustive history of the financial machinations at the center of the church in Rome....an extraordinarily intricate tale of intrigue, corruption and organized criminality." For more information on these fantastic authors, you can find Trisha online atwww.trishaposner.com, and Gerald atwww.posner.com. Their books are widely available in book stores and online at Amazon.]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Florida by acclaimed authors, husband-and-wife, Gerald and Trisha Posner. The Posners have an impeccable body of work behind them; this episode draws upon their work on the Holocaust, including the role of the Vatican in working with the Third Reich for financial gain. Trisha’s most recent book is The Pharmacist of Auschwitz, which tells the little known story of Victor Capesius, who worked alongside Josef Mengele at the infamous death camp as its chief pharmacist. The San Francisco Book Review wrote that "words cannot even properly describe the devastation that unfolds within these pages." Gerald’s most recent book, God’s Bankers, is the result of nine years of extensive research. The book was described by The New York Times as "an exhaustive history of the financial machinations at the center of the church in Rome....an extraordinarily intricate tale of intrigue, corruption and organized criminality." For more information on these fantastic authors, you can find Trisha online at www.trishaposner.com, and Gerald at www.posner.com. Their books are widely available in book stores and online at Amazon.]]>01:01:58clean#19 - Project Extra: Beyond BrexitMon, 20 Mar 2017 17:56:09 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project, enjoy previously unreleased audio from the episode ‘On Liberty and Free Speech’ with Joshua Thomas. In this bonus episode, Aidan and Joshua discuss UKIP, voting reform, Brexit, and the British left. For more information on Joshua, you can catch Liberty Live every Saturday evening at 8PM GMT on YouTube, where you can also find the Political Conundrum Podcast. Joshua is on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalConundrum/) and YouTube (http://bit.ly/2g4ZXiN).]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project, enjoy previously unreleased audio from the episode ‘On Liberty and Free Speech’ with Joshua Thomas. In this bonus episode, Aidan and Joshua discuss UKIP, voting reform, Brexit, and the British left. For more information on Joshua, you can catch Liberty Live every Saturday evening at 8PM GMT on YouTube, where you can also find the Political Conundrum Podcast. Joshua is on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalConundrum/) and YouTube (http://bit.ly/2g4ZXiN).]]>09:29cleanbrexit#18 - The Tragedy of IraqSat, 18 Mar 2017 13:14:23 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Iraq-born writer, Sami Ramadani, to discuss important questions regarding Iraq and the Middle East. What is happening now in Iraq? We are now 14 years on from the controversial invasion, yet Iraq is not at peace, not least because of an ongoing battle with ISIS. Sami provides a whistle-stop history of the struggle of the Iraqi people, from imperial oppression from the United Kingdom up to the occupation of US-led forces in 2003. Sami also discusses US foreign policy under the Trump administration, speculating on a potential showdown with Iran. Sami grew up in Baghdad, but departed as a political exile during Saddam Hussein’s reign. However, despite his objections to Saddam’s government, Sami argued against US-led sanctions and opposed the 2003 invasion and occupation. A semi-retired lecturer in sociology, Sami writes on Middle Eastern affairs and sits on the Stop the War Coalition’s steering committee. For more information on Sami, you can find him on Twitter (@SamiRamadani1) and the Guardian web site (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/samiramadani).]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Iraq-born writer, Sami Ramadani, to discuss important questions regarding Iraq and the Middle East. What is happening now in Iraq? We are now 14 years on from the controversial invasion, yet Iraq is not at peace, not least because of an ongoing battle with ISIS. Sami provides a whistle-stop history of the struggle of the Iraqi people, from imperial oppression from the United Kingdom up to the occupation of US-led forces in 2003. Sami also discusses US foreign policy under the Trump administration, speculating on a potential showdown with Iran. Sami grew up in Baghdad, but departed as a political exile during Saddam Hussein’s reign. However, despite his objections to Saddam’s government, Sami argued against US-led sanctions and opposed the 2003 invasion and occupation. A semi-retired lecturer in sociology, Sami writes on Middle Eastern affairs and sits on the Stop the War Coalition’s steering committee. For more information on Sami, you can find him on Twitter (@SamiRamadani1) and the Guardian web site (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/samiramadani).]]>51:09cleaniraq#17 - The Fake News AgendaTue, 14 Mar 2017 21:04:03 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Gary Herman to discuss press freedom, fake news, citizen journalism and the future of a free press in a digital age. Also discussed on this show is Donald Trump’s scheduled autumn visit to the United Kingdom, why journalists often refrain from pressing public figures on evaded questions, ‘Stop Funding Hate’, the lack of trust of the public in the media, Facebook as a news source, Leveson, and much more. Gary is a member of the British National Union of Journalists and has been campaigning for press and broadcasting freedom for 37 years. Gary sits on the National Council of The Campaign for Press & Broadcasting Freedom (http://www.cpbf.org.uk/), which is funded by membership and trade unions. Established in 1979, the CPBF strives for a more accountable, freer and diverse media. Gary has a background in journalism and writing, beginning his career as a freelance journalist and author, specialising in film and popular music and authoring or co-authoring a number of books. If you would like to find out more information about Gary, you can visit http://www.keywordsassociates.com/.]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by Gary Herman to discuss press freedom, fake news, citizen journalism and the future of a free press in a digital age. Also discussed on this show is Donald Trump’s scheduled autumn visit to the United Kingdom, why journalists often refrain from pressing public figures on evaded questions, ‘Stop Funding Hate’, the lack of trust of the public in the media, Facebook as a news source, Leveson, and much more. Gary is a member of the British National Union of Journalists and has been campaigning for press and broadcasting freedom for 37 years. Gary sits on the National Council of The Campaign for Press & Broadcasting Freedom (http://www.cpbf.org.uk/), which is funded by membership and trade unions. Established in 1979, the CPBF strives for a more accountable, freer and diverse media. Gary has a background in journalism and writing, beginning his career as a freelance journalist and author, specialising in film and popular music and authoring or co-authoring a number of books. If you would like to find out more information about Gary, you can visit http://www.keywordsassociates.com/.]]>01:02:27cleanpress,free,freedom,media,speech#16 - On Liberty and Free SpeechThu, 09 Mar 2017 21:26:03 +0000The title of this episode is an homage to an important philosophical work by John Stuart Mill, ‘On Liberty’, which was published in 1859. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, host of Liberty Live and the Political Conundrum Podcast. Whilst Aidan and Joshua disagree on several points, a true liberal democracy’s interpretation of free speech must surely mean that diametrically opposed arguments can be made without shouting your opponent down. In addition to the central theme of the episode, also discussed and defined are ‘fake news’, 'the regressive left' and ‘social justice warriors’. Aidan and Joshua also look at the Daily Mail infamously labelling UK judges as ‘enemies of the people’, and much more. For more information on Joshua, you can catch Liberty Live every Saturday evening at 8PM GMT on YouTube, where you can also find the Political Conundrum Podcast. Joshua is on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalConundrum/) and YouTube (http://bit.ly/2g4ZXiN).]]>The title of this episode is an homage to an important philosophical work by John Stuart Mill, ‘On Liberty’, which was published in 1859. In this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined by journalist, podcaster and activist, Joshua Thomas, host of Liberty Live and the Political Conundrum Podcast. Whilst Aidan and Joshua disagree on several points, a true liberal democracy’s interpretation of free speech must surely mean that diametrically opposed arguments can be made without shouting your opponent down. In addition to the central theme of the episode, also discussed and defined are ‘fake news’, 'the regressive left' and ‘social justice warriors’. Aidan and Joshua also look at the Daily Mail infamously labelling UK judges as ‘enemies of the people’, and much more. For more information on Joshua, you can catch Liberty Live every Saturday evening at 8PM GMT on YouTube, where you can also find the Political Conundrum Podcast. Joshua is on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalConundrum/) and YouTube (http://bit.ly/2g4ZXiN).]]>01:04:23cleanfree,speech#15 - Project Extra: FolkloreMon, 06 Mar 2017 18:53:06 +0000In this bonus edition of the podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from The Aidan Project episode, ‘Pokemon Diplomacy and Transnational Culture’ with Jared Miracle.Jared is an author, educator, researcher, martial artist, chef, and much else besides. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>In this bonus edition of the podcast, enjoy previously unreleased audio from The Aidan Project episode, ‘Pokemon Diplomacy and Transnational Culture’ with Jared Miracle. Jared is an author, educator, researcher, martial artist, chef, and much else besides. You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>14:36cleanculture,folklore#14 - America’s Great War (Part One): NeutralityWed, 01 Mar 2017 19:44:53 +0000This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the role and experience of the United States of America in the Great War of 1914-1918. In these episodes, Aidan is joined by Dr. Paul Dean, a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard's Journey in America's Forgotten War’. In this episode, Aidan and Paul discuss the underlying tensions that led to war, the ambitions of the Central Powers and The Entente, and the tragically misplaced belief that it would be over quickly, before it became a desperate stalemate. This episode moves through the chronology of the war up until April 1917, all the while considering the US perspective; the view of the US public, and President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the conflict. This episode concludes on the eve of the momentous Declaration of War on Germany, which was handed down on April 6, 1917. Following German antagonism at sea and the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, the US moved away from the Monroe Doctrine and into the fight. Part two will be released on April 6, 2017, one hundred years to the day that the United States officially entered into the global catastrophe that was, at the time, thought to be the war to end all wars. For more information on Dr. Paul Dean, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the role and experience of the United States of America in the Great War of 1914-1918. In these episodes, Aidan is joined by Dr. Paul Dean, a former instructor at, and alumni of, Washington State University, who is an expert on World War One and author of ‘Courage: Roy Blanchard's Journey in America's Forgotten War’. In this episode, Aidan and Paul discuss the underlying tensions that led to war, the ambitions of the Central Powers and The Entente, and the tragically misplaced belief that it would be over quickly, before it became a desperate stalemate. This episode moves through the chronology of the war up until April 1917, all the while considering the US perspective; the view of the US public, and President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the conflict. This episode concludes on the eve of the momentous Declaration of War on Germany, which was handed down on April 6, 1917. Following German antagonism at sea and the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, the US moved away from the Monroe Doctrine and into the fight. Part two will be released on April 6, 2017, one hundred years to the day that the United States officially entered into the global catastrophe that was, at the time, thought to be the war to end all wars. For more information on Dr. Paul Dean, please visit his web site at www.paultdean.com.]]>01:09:43clean1,war,world,us,united,states,great,entente#13 - Pokemon Diplomacy and Transnational CultureMon, 27 Feb 2017 19:20:01 +0000On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Oregon by Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University to discuss transnational culture. Where did tea really originate from? Or the bow and arrow? Or Pokémon? Probably not from where you may have assumed. In this episode, Aidan and Jared discuss cultural phenomena, homing in on the case of Pokémon, of which Jared is the world’s leading scholar. Aidan and Jared also discuss the fascinating characteristics of Japanese culture more generally. Also discussed on the show is violence in society, delayed human adaption to modern technology, and much more. Jared is an author, educator, researcher, martial artist, chef, and much else besides. Definitely a fun show to share with your friends to get them hooked on The Aidan Project! You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>On this edition of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Oregon by Jared Miracle, a cultural entomologist with an M.Ed. and a PhD. in anthropology from Texas A&M University to discuss transnational culture. Where did tea really originate from? Or the bow and arrow? Or Pokémon? Probably not from where you may have assumed. In this episode, Aidan and Jared discuss cultural phenomena, homing in on the case of Pokémon, of which Jared is the world’s leading scholar. Aidan and Jared also discuss the fascinating characteristics of Japanese culture more generally. Also discussed on the show is violence in society, delayed human adaption to modern technology, and much more. Jared is an author, educator, researcher, martial artist, chef, and much else besides. Definitely a fun show to share with your friends to get them hooked on The Aidan Project! You can follow Jared on Facebook (facebook.com/jaredmiraclewriter) and Twitter (@DocKungFu).]]>51:25cleanjapan,culture,violence,pokemon,entomology#12 - Western Downfall: Why Trump WonThu, 23 Feb 2017 10:58:28 +0000On this edition of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined on the line from New York City by philosopher, Dr. Benedict Beckeld.In this episode, Aidan and Dr. Beckeld discuss a number of important issues, most notably Dr. Beckeld’s explanation of Donald Trump’s electoral success. Dr. Beckeld argues that oikophobia - a repudiation of one’s own culture - led to the rise of Trump. The good news is that ‘Western Decline’ is cyclical; the bad news is that there is no immediate sign of a reversal. Also discussed on the show: the ‘Regressive Left’, immigration, Islam, free speech, race riots in Sweden, Brexit, Milo, atheism, bodybuilding, and much more.Dr. Beckeldwas born in Sweden to Brazilian and Jewish parents, but emigrated with his family to New York City as a teenager. Dr. Beckeld’s philosophy has thus far focused primarily on matters of aesthetics, ethics, contemporary culture, political philosophy and the philosophy of history. For more information on Dr. Beckeld, you can find him online atwww.benedictbeckeld.comand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benedictbeckeld]]>On this edition of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined on the line from New York City by philosopher, Dr. Benedict Beckeld. In this episode, Aidan and Dr. Beckeld discuss a number of important issues, most notably Dr. Beckeld’s explanation of Donald Trump’s electoral success. Dr. Beckeld argues that oikophobia - a repudiation of one’s own culture - led to the rise of Trump. The good news is that ‘Western Decline’ is cyclical; the bad news is that there is no immediate sign of a reversal. Also discussed on the show: the ‘Regressive Left’, immigration, Islam, free speech, race riots in Sweden, Brexit, Milo, atheism, bodybuilding, and much more. Dr. Beckeld was born in Sweden to Brazilian and Jewish parents, but emigrated with his family to New York City as a teenager. Dr. Beckeld’s philosophy has thus far focused primarily on matters of aesthetics, ethics, contemporary culture, political philosophy and the philosophy of history. For more information on Dr. Beckeld, you can find him online at www.benedictbeckeld.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benedictbeckeld]]>01:12:04cleandecline,trump,oikophobia#11 - Malicious Assured Destruction: Cold War to Cyber WarSat, 18 Feb 2017 10:36:40 +0000In this episode of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Israel by Ran Levi, an accomplished science author and podcaster. In this episode, Aidan and Ran discuss Ronald Reagan’s ambitious Strategic Defence Initiative, known as ‘Star Wars’, which came to prominence towards the end of the Cold War. Aidan and Ran also look at ‘Mutual Assured Destruction’ – did the nuclear balancing act of the Super Powers mean that nuclear war was prevented? This episode also features a look at how warfare has developed since the demise of the USSR, the use of cyber-attacks rather than conventional military action, what steps Israel has taken to counter terrorism, the audacious Israel/US malware attack on Iran (Stuxnet), Israeli national identity, national service, and a number of other interesting topics. Ran is the host of one of Podbean‘s top ten technology podcasts of 2016, 'The Curious Minds Podcast', and his ‘Making History' podcast is one of the most successful podcasts in Israel, with over five million downloads. Born in Israel in 1975, Ran studied electrical engineering, and has worked as an electronics engineer and programmer for several high tech companies in Israel. Ran has written three books in Hebrew, 'Perpetuum Mobile', 'The Little University of Science', and 'Battle of Minds'. You can find Ran on Twitter @ranlevi or visit his web site at www.ranlevi.com]]>In this episode of The Aidan Project, Aidan is joined on the line from Israel by Ran Levi, an accomplished science author and podcaster. In this episode, Aidan and Ran discuss Ronald Reagan’s ambitious Strategic Defence Initiative, known as ‘Star Wars’, which came to prominence towards the end of the Cold War. Aidan and Ran also look at ‘Mutual Assured Destruction’ – did the nuclear balancing act of the Super Powers mean that nuclear war was prevented? This episode also features a look at how warfare has developed since the demise of the USSR, the use of cyber-attacks rather than conventional military action, what steps Israel has taken to counter terrorism, the audacious Israel/US malware attack on Iran (Stuxnet), Israeli national identity, national service, and a number of other interesting topics. Ran is the host of one of Podbean‘s top ten technology podcasts of 2016, 'The Curious Minds Podcast', and his ‘Making History' podcast is one of the most successful podcasts in Israel, with over five million downloads. Born in Israel in 1975, Ran studied electrical engineering, and has worked as an electronics engineer and programmer for several high tech companies in Israel. Ran has written three books in Hebrew, 'Perpetuum Mobile', 'The Little University of Science', and 'Battle of Minds'. You can find Ran on Twitter @ranlevi or visit his web site at www.ranlevi.com]]>01:04:59cleancold,war,israel,reagan,malware#10 - George Orwell Versus Alternative FactsTue, 14 Feb 2017 19:16:10 +0000In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined by Richard Keeble, who is none other than the Chairman of the Orwell Society. Richard is a retired Professor of Journalism at the University of Lincoln and has written extensively about Orwell, including a critical assessment of Orwell’s war reporting, and also wrote a chapter in the 2012 book, Orwell Today, which he also edited, looking at Orwell’s complex relationship with the intelligence services. Richard and Aidan look at Orwell’s two most famous works, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four (and the latter's huge spike in sales), and discuss what Orwell would have made of “alternative facts” in the new media age. Would Orwell be blogging online, attacking Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer for their doublethink with his unique command of language? We also discuss Orwell’s life, his schooling, the shooting of an elephant in Burma, being wounded in Spain, his tremendous wit and his untimely death, in addition to discussing separating fact from fiction in his work, and much more besides. He (or she) who listens to this podcast will know the future. But you might not be able to control the past. For more information on The Orwell Society, please visit http://www.orwellsociety.com/]]>In this edition of the Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined by Richard Keeble, who is none other than the Chairman of the Orwell Society. Richard is a retired Professor of Journalism at the University of Lincoln and has written extensively about Orwell, including a critical assessment of Orwell’s war reporting, and also wrote a chapter in the 2012 book, Orwell Today, which he also edited, looking at Orwell’s complex relationship with the intelligence services. Richard and Aidan look at Orwell’s two most famous works, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four (and the latter's huge spike in sales), and discuss what Orwell would have made of “alternative facts” in the new media age. Would Orwell be blogging online, attacking Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer for their doublethink with his unique command of language? We also discuss Orwell’s life, his schooling, the shooting of an elephant in Burma, being wounded in Spain, his tremendous wit and his untimely death, in addition to discussing separating fact from fiction in his work, and much more besides. He (or she) who listens to this podcast will know the future. But you might not be able to control the past. For more information on The Orwell Society, please visit http://www.orwellsociety.com/]]>47:18cleantrump,orwell,1984#9 - Denying the HolocaustTue, 07 Feb 2017 19:36:25 +0000In this edition of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined by documentary filmmaker, Frances Harper, alongside Richard Payne, to discuss Holocaust denial. The famous libel trial of David Irving v Penguin Books and Deborah Lipstadt was recently brought to the silver screen. The trial is noted for the utter destruction of Irving, featuring an uncompromisingly brutal assessment of his dishonesty by the trial judge. Away from this court battle – which Irving himself took to trial, having taken umbrage at the book, 'Denying the Holocaust', which painted him as a dangerous Holocaust denier - is there any limit that society should place on free speech? What can be made of German law, whereby Holocaust denial is a criminal offence? Is the best way of defeating a bad idea to suppress it or engage it? Are some claims too obscene to be allowed in public discourse? Following a short review of the film, these questions are explored and debated.]]>In this edition of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan is joined by documentary filmmaker, Frances Harper, alongside Richard Payne, to discuss Holocaust denial. The famous libel trial of David Irving v Penguin Books and Deborah Lipstadt was recently brought to the silver screen. The trial is noted for the utter destruction of Irving, featuring an uncompromisingly brutal assessment of his dishonesty by the trial judge. Away from this court battle – which Irving himself took to trial, having taken umbrage at the book, 'Denying the Holocaust', which painted him as a dangerous Holocaust denier - is there any limit that society should place on free speech? What can be made of German law, whereby Holocaust denial is a criminal offence? Is the best way of defeating a bad idea to suppress it or engage it? Are some claims too obscene to be allowed in public discourse? Following a short review of the film, these questions are explored and debated.]]>43:23cleanhitler,denial,holocaust,irving,lipstadt#8 - The Spanish Civil WarWed, 01 Feb 2017 20:20:56 +0000With a very special guest, Dave McCall, The Aidan Project looks at the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Taking the nomme de plume of David Ebsworth, Dave is an acclaimed historical fiction author, and a member of the Historical Novel Society, the International Brigades Memorial Trust, the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society, New Writers UK, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. For many historians, the Spanish Civil War marks the real start of World War 2. What is the merit of this argument? What type of man was Franco? Can he be compared with the leaders of the Axis powers? What were the typical experiences of the many men and women from across the world who volunteered to fight for either side? What can be made of British policy during the war not to intervene? George Orwell wrote that he traveled to Spain to fight for 'common decency'. The Aidan Project explains why, despite Orwell's best efforts to defend the Republic, it was a losing battle.]]>With a very special guest, Dave McCall, The Aidan Project looks at the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Taking the nomme de plume of David Ebsworth, Dave is an acclaimed historical fiction author, and a member of the Historical Novel Society, the International Brigades Memorial Trust, the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society, New Writers UK, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. For many historians, the Spanish Civil War marks the real start of World War 2. What is the merit of this argument? What type of man was Franco? Can he be compared with the leaders of the Axis powers? What were the typical experiences of the many men and women from across the world who volunteered to fight for either side? What can be made of British policy during the war not to intervene? George Orwell wrote that he traveled to Spain to fight for 'common decency'. The Aidan Project explains why, despite Orwell's best efforts to defend the Republic, it was a losing battle.]]>01:19:34cleanwar,civil,history,spanish,spain,hitler,franco,stalin#7 - The Art of TerrorFri, 27 Jan 2017 10:53:07 +0000In this episode, The Art of Terror, I will be looking at the War on Terror, in addition to Edmund Clark’s thought-provoking exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London, entitled War *of* Terror. This adapted name is quite deliberate, as will become clear within this episode. The artist-photographer, Clark, has visited Guantanamo Bay, along with the homes of persons who have been held under house arrest here in the United Kingdom. In a world in which ISIS and other groups sympathetic to the Jihadist cause are committing regular atrocities in the Middle East and, indeed, much closer to ‘home’, Western-speaking, we must surely offer strong support for robust governmental action to tackle terrorism. But - and this is the key - it needs to be effective and proportionate. Is it really a case of no pain, no gain? Is torture ever morally acceptable? Indeed, can the War on Terror ever be fought with our morals intact? This episode also looks at the West’s best options for tackling extremism; options which, frustratingly, are being suffocated by the 'regressive left'. Furthermore, and very much linked to the work of would-be reformers, the power of belief in the supernatural is a significant factor in the War on Terror, which this episode explores in detail. Did George W. Bush’s belief in God lead to the invasion of Iraq? Thank you for tuning in. You can follow my work on Twitter @theaidanproject.]]>In this episode, The Art of Terror, I will be looking at the War on Terror, in addition to Edmund Clark’s thought-provoking exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London, entitled War *of* Terror. This adapted name is quite deliberate, as will become clear within this episode. The artist-photographer, Clark, has visited Guantanamo Bay, along with the homes of persons who have been held under house arrest here in the United Kingdom. In a world in which ISIS and other groups sympathetic to the Jihadist cause are committing regular atrocities in the Middle East and, indeed, much closer to ‘home’, Western-speaking, we must surely offer strong support for robust governmental action to tackle terrorism. But - and this is the key - it needs to be effective and proportionate. Is it really a case of no pain, no gain? Is torture ever morally acceptable? Indeed, can the War on Terror ever be fought with our morals intact? This episode also looks at the West’s best options for tackling extremism; options which, frustratingly, are being suffocated by the 'regressive left'. Furthermore, and very much linked to the work of would-be reformers, the power of belief in the supernatural is a significant factor in the War on Terror, which this episode explores in detail. Did George W. Bush’s belief in God lead to the invasion of Iraq? Thank you for tuning in. You can follow my work on Twitter @theaidanproject.]]>34:35no#6 - Left to Die: Whilst Liberals SleptWed, 18 Jan 2017 11:53:22 +0000This episode of The Aidan Project tackles the moral confusion of the liberal argument, and the intellectual self-harm being conducted by the left. The rise of Trump, and the Brexit result can surely, at least in part, be explained by the inner fighting on the left, which has moved many to the centre, and on some issues, to the right, in the search for a measure of much-needed honesty. The left has a lot of work to do; Aidan is aghast that the left is not willing to defend basic constructs of liberalism by not being honest about its unpalatable challenges. This episode also looks at Trump's conduct thus far in 2017. Please do take a moment to subscribe, be it via WordPress, iTunes, YouTube or Stitcher et al, as this truly assists in getting this argument out there. This is a wake-up call.]]>This episode of The Aidan Project tackles the moral confusion of the liberal argument, and the intellectual self-harm being conducted by the left. The rise of Trump, and the Brexit result can surely, at least in part, be explained by the inner fighting on the left, which has moved many to the centre, and on some issues, to the right, in the search for a measure of much-needed honesty. The left has a lot of work to do; Aidan is aghast that the left is not willing to defend basic constructs of liberalism by not being honest about its unpalatable challenges. This episode also looks at Trump's conduct thus far in 2017. Please do take a moment to subscribe, be it via WordPress, iTunes, YouTube or Stitcher et al, as this truly assists in getting this argument out there. This is a wake-up call.]]>22:47nonews,history,culturefull#5 - Demise of the Two-State SolutionWed, 04 Jan 2017 13:01:41 +0000On this episode of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan looks at the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict, explores the views of respected thinkers on the issue, considers how US policy may change under a new US President, and attempts to gain an insight into future prospects for a lasting peaceful settlement. The dispute between Israel and the Palestinians remains as contentious as ever, but other issues in the Middle East in 2016, principally the conflict in Syria, have taken the Palestine question off the front page. However, the recent vote of the United Nations Security Council to declare Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories as illegal has raised media coverage. Is there any hope for peace?]]>On this episode of The Aidan Project Podcast, Aidan looks at the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict, explores the views of respected thinkers on the issue, considers how US policy may change under a new US President, and attempts to gain an insight into future prospects for a lasting peaceful settlement. The dispute between Israel and the Palestinians remains as contentious as ever, but other issues in the Middle East in 2016, principally the conflict in Syria, have taken the Palestine question off the front page. However, the recent vote of the United Nations Security Council to declare Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories as illegal has raised media coverage. Is there any hope for peace?]]>22:31nonews,history,culture#4 - 1984 Bad, 2016 Worse (Part 2)Wed, 28 Dec 2016 18:42:26 +0000In part one, The Aidan Project covered Brexit, Stop Funding Hate, the British press, the decline of the left, Labour’s impotence, Jihadism, Nigel Farage, David Cameron, and more. In part two, we must talk about Donald Trump, including his relationship with Syria, Russia and the United Kingdom. Aidan also looks forward (if that is the correct term) to 2017, including the supposed alliance of Trump and Vladimir Putin, Israel's anger at the UN, and Scottish independence. Aidan also makes an appeal to the left to be honest.]]>In part one, The Aidan Project covered Brexit, Stop Funding Hate, the British press, the decline of the left, Labour’s impotence, Jihadism, Nigel Farage, David Cameron, and more. In part two, we must talk about Donald Trump, including his relationship with Syria, Russia and the United Kingdom. Aidan also looks forward (if that is the correct term) to 2017, including the supposed alliance of Trump and Vladimir Putin, Israel's anger at the UN, and Scottish independence. Aidan also makes an appeal to the left to be honest.]]>12:11nonews,history,culture#3 - 1984 Bad, 2016 Worse (Part 1)Sat, 24 Dec 2016 19:58:21 +0000It is time to review 2016. A brave undertaking, to be sure, but someone has to do it. Across two episodes, The Aidan Project humbly presents a review of the most significant events of the year. Part one includes Brexit, Stop Funding Hate, the British press, the decline of the left, Labour’s impotence, Jihadism, Nigel Farage, David Cameron’s disappearance, and more.]]>It is time to review 2016. A brave undertaking, to be sure, but someone has to do it. Across two episodes, The Aidan Project humbly presents a review of the most significant events of the year. Part one includes Brexit, Stop Funding Hate, the British press, the decline of the left, Labour’s impotence, Jihadism, Nigel Farage, David Cameron’s disappearance, and more.]]>14:11nonews,history,culture#2 - The Man of the Year and The FührerWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:31:55 +0000On this edition of the Aidan Project podcast, I take a detailed look at Time magazine’s Man of the Year, Donald Trump, and the lessons of history that can be gained from his remarkable election victory. Is Trump a modern-day Hitler? Which other US President has Trump been compared to? Is a former Italian leader the best comparison to Trump? No, not Mussolini. Is the fear of Trump as a maniacal tyrant realistic or misplaced? This question and more are covered in an interesting episode. Thank you for your interest – please subscribe and spread the word by sharing with your online communities.]]>On this edition of the Aidan Project podcast, I take a detailed look at Time magazine’s Man of the Year, Donald Trump, and the lessons of history that can be gained from his remarkable election victory. Is Trump a modern-day Hitler? Which other US President has Trump been compared to? Is a former Italian leader the best comparison to Trump? No, not Mussolini. Is the fear of Trump as a maniacal tyrant realistic or misplaced? This question and more are covered in an interesting episode. Thank you for your interest – please subscribe and spread the word by sharing with your online communities.]]>24:54nonews,history,culture#1 - Brexit and Enemies of the PeopleSat, 03 Dec 2016 17:45:26 +0000The Aidan Project podcast gets to grips with Brexit. What would Winston Churchill have made of Brexit? And who are the enemies of the people?]]>The Aidan Project podcast gets to grips with Brexit. What would Winston Churchill have made of Brexit? And who are the enemies of the people?]]>15:21nonews,history,culture